+17° / +9°C WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018 No 11 (149) www.astanatimes.com Nazarbayev calls for greater multilateral FIC focuses on economic cooperation within SCO modernisation efforts and address challenges related to By Aigerim Seisembayeva foreign investment in Kazakhstan. The council includes heads of 35 ASTANA – The 31st plenary multinational companies and inter- session of Kazakhstan’s Foreign national organizations such as the Investors’ Council themed “Accel- European Bank for Reconstruction erated modernisation” discussed and Development (EBRD). digital transformation, new tech- This session was themed “ac- nologies and prospects for further celerated modernisation” and ad- economic growth at a June 6 meet- dressed digital transformation, ing here. new technologies and prospects Kazakh President Nursultan for economic growth. Nazarbayev briefed the session on In his brief, the president out- Kazakhstan’s efforts to ensure the lined efforts to modernise the stability of the national economy country’s economy and increase in the face of global challenges. its competitiveness. “We are witnesses and partici- “The first one is the improve- pants of rapid global changes and ment of the regulatory environ- challenges that come with them. ment. The new Code on Subsoil To overcome them, I set the task of and Subsoil Use, tax and customs the Third Modernisation a year ago. codes have come into force. A Macroeconomic stability is being

Photo credit: akorda.kz Photo credit: package of legislative amend- ensured, the business climate is im- ments on business regulation has Leaders of eight SCO member states pose for a group photo along with invited guests from other observer countries and partners for dialogue, as well proving,” said the President. as representatives of numerous international organisations. been adopted. OECD (Organisa- The Foreign Investors’ Council tion for Economic Cooperation was established in 1998 to facili- and Development) standards are hance the economic cooperation He also told the gathering that The SCO meeting resulted in tate dialogue between the Kazakh applied in all spheres,” he said. By Elya Altynsarina of the SCO, so it is important to the new Astana International Fi- the signing of 17 documents and government and foreign investors Continued on Page A2 ensure the transformation of trade nancial Centre will assist SCO five memoranda. The group also ASTANA – Kazakh President and investment projects between member state financial systems. discussed using national curren- Nursultan Nazarbayev addressed our countries from a bilateral to a He also reminded the group that cies within the organisation. The the 18th Summit of the Shanghai multilateral level,” he said. “And an International Academy of Silk meeting marked the end of China’s Cooperation Organisation (SCO) we are in favour of creating joint Road Sciences was created last chairmanship, which was assumed June 9 in Qingdao, China calling mechanisms for financing projects year and that science organisa- by Kyrgyzstan. AIFC announces plan to for greater multilateral economic and mobilising technological re- tions from 30 countries have On the sidelines of the meeting, cooperation among its eight mem- sources within the framework of agreed to work with the academy Nazarbayev held bilateral talks ber states. the organisation.” to support the Belt and Road Ini- with Prime Minister of India Nar- Nazarbayev told the gathering The Kazakh President also pro- tiative. endra Modi and President of Mon- speed foreign investment the recent addition of India and posed creating a platform to ex- On a global scale, Nazarbayev golia Khaltmaagiin Battulga. Pakistan has increased the organi- change information on digitisa- noted Kazakhstan’s Astana Pro- Speaking to the media follow- sation’s international influence. tion and advanced technologies cess peace talks on Syria and Ka- ing his visit to Qingdao, President in Kazakhstan “After the accession of India and cooperation on infrastructure zakhstan’s commitment to help Nazarbayev said he had a trust- and Pakistan during the Astana “megaprojects” utilising the scien- develop Afghanistan. based dialogue with his Chinese By Yerbolat Uatkhanov tion. AIFC also presented the cen- tre’s vision for digitised processes. summit, the SCO has significantly tific, financial and human capacity He also said Kazakhstan sup- colleague, Xi Jinping. “There are ASTANA – The Astana Inter- AIFC Chief Digital Officer Assel strengthened its role as an influen- of SCO member states. ports achieving a nuclear-weap- no unsolved issues between our national Financial Centre (AIFC) Zhanasova said that in addition to tial player in regional and interna- Nazarbayev also proposed build- ons-free Korean Peninsula through countries, but an open road for fur- announced at a May 30 business the concept of Zero Bureaucracy, the ther development,” he noted. tional policy,”he said. ingthe Eurasian high-speed railway peaceful means only and continues conference in Astana plans to help AIFC is digitising its arbitration cen- He also urged inter-organisation (EHSRW) along the Beijing-Asta- its support for the Joint Compre- He said the meeting with China’s reduce bureaucratic delays experi- tre, the court and financial regulator. cooperation through the Treaty na-Moscow-Berlin route. “These hensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) leadership focused on industrial- enced by foreign investors. At the same time, the AIFC will also of Good-Neighbourliness and projects will unite the promising on Iran’s nuclear programme. innovative cooperation and invest- “We are creating an environment predict the risks and threats of artifi- Friendship and Cooperation. format of cooperation between the He also invited SCO members to ment projects, noting agreements of ‘Zero Bureaucracy’ for doing cial intelligence. “The combined strength of the SCO and the Eurasian Economic the Sixth Congress of Leaders of have been signed for 51 projects business. From the very beginning, “We would like to simplify the three-billion human potential of Union (EAEU)), and in the future, World and Traditional Religions and that 1,200 joint enterprises are a businessman, an investor, will process of registration, opening a our countries shall be used to en- hopefully, the E.U.,” he said. Oct. 10-11 in Astana. already operating. be engaged in the things for which bank account and obtaining indi- he comes to the AIFC: setting up a vidual identification number. So that company, getting a license, reporting before arriving to Kazakhstan, any to tax authorities and so on, all of this investor could register a company, will be unseen to the potential inves- open bank accounts and so on. Also, tor. The investor will be presented we plan to completely switch to the On state visit to Beijing, Kazakh President with one single simple webpage platform of the electronic judicial with accessible and understandable system. All clients of the court site services. While ‘behind the scenes’ can participate in the process through is a whole ecosystem,” said AIFC a virtual room without even coming meets Chinese leader, business executives Information Technology Department to Kazakhstan,” Zhanasova said. and respect for state sovereignty. Director Aare Laponin. The AIFC authority is also imple- “Our cooperation has been further The announcement came during a menting SAP Ariba system, which strengthened within your initiative conference sponsored by SAP, which automates procurement processes. to build the New Silk Road Eco- attracted hundreds of international IT The system is meant to make pro- nomic Belt,” Nazarbayev noted. experts who discussed innovations curement more efficient, transparent Xi responded that China was in government and business digitisa- and cost-effective. ready to work with Kazakhstan on “building the bright destiny of mankind by applying intellec- tual and physical efforts, and I am ready to work with you on steering the ship of Chinese-Kazakh friend- Government boosts ship.” He also agreed that bilateral re- lations and mutual trust between the two states have grown with the e-commerce development implementation of joint infrastruc- The nation has 1,658 online stores ture initiatives, including the Belt By Yerbolat Uatkhanov employing 71,600 workers and the and Road Initiative, one of many number of customers has increased terms for China’s massive infra- ASTANA – Kazakh e-commerce 5 percent. structure investment project along turnover has reached 101 billion The National Bank drafted an in- the old Silk Road network and be- tenge ($304.6 million) in the first stant payment system with the pos- yond. five months of 2018, with 2.9 per- sibility of mobile phone use to de- According to the Akorda press cent in retail trade turnover, ac- velop digital financial services. The service, during the talks the Chi- cording to Kazpost. To increase system aims to provide a convenient nese side expressed interest in buy- market volume, the government and affordable tool for online inter- ing ecologically clean agricultural has improved legislation, upgraded bank payments on simplified requi- products and the parties discussed the postal service and exempted e- sites. Plans are underway to test the deepening bilateral cooperation in commerce companies from taxes. pilot system in August. Electronic Minister of National Economy wallet, designed to pay for mobile By Elya Altynsarina lion. The volume of mutual trade the signing of nine bilateral energy, oil and gas, new technolo- Timur Suleimenov reported on the over the past year increased 30 documents. gies and digitisation, as well as ad- services, was launched in May. progress of the Digital Kazakhstan ASTANA – President of Ka- percent to almost $11 billion. After the official welcoming vancing cultural and humanitarian The government is focused on initiative, highlighting the posi- zakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev In Beijing, Nazarbayev met ceremony on June 7, Nazarbayev ties. developing a logistics infrastructure tive trend in developing electronic visited Beijing for a state visit to with Chinese President Xi congratulated Xi on his recent re- Recalling the visit of Li Keqiang by creating logistics hubs and sort- commerce. According to official China on June 6-8. Jinping, Premier of the State election and the successful 19th to Kazakhstan in December 2014, ing centres. The first fulfilment cen- statistics, the e-commerce mar- tre opened in the capital in April. The relationship between Ka- Council Li Keqiang and Chair- Congress of the Communist Party Nazarbayev told Li that his bold and interesting ideas launched ket reached 106.9 billion tenge The number of processed parcels is zakhstan and China has grown man of the Standing Commit- of China. joint industrial and investment (US$322.4 million) in 2017, 1.2 expected to increase by 20 percent increasingly close in recent years: tee of the National People’s Nazarbayev commended Xi for programme between the two percent of the total retail turnover from 5.148 million to 6 million and since 2012, the two countries have Congress of China Li Zhanshu. his personal contribution to the de- states, and led to 51 projects total- and a 36.2-percent increase. the parcel delivery time reduced seen 18 meetings at the highest The Kazakh President also led velopment of positive neighbourly ling $28 billion. Eleven of those Since the beginning of the year, from 15 to 6 days and down to one level and signed 127 bilateral doc- meetings of business circles of relations in the spirit of friend- are currently being implemented. 110 new e-commerce retailers have day on certain express mail routes. uments for a total of about $67 bil- the two countries, and oversaw ship, equality, mutual cooperation Continued on Page A3 been registered, said Suleimenov. Continued on Page A4

INSIDE NATION ECONOMY&BUSINESS EDITORIAL OPINIONS NATION&CAPITAL Government appoints five new vice ministers Kazakhstan in consultations on easing Astana at 20: the reality exceeds KELIMBETOV: AIFC: local operations and International arts and culture journalists tour to oversee digitisation A2 OPEC oil output reduction agreement, the vision A6 international cooperation A7 Kazakh attractions B1 Kazakhstan marks National Day of says minister A4 TUYAKBAYEV: Right approach to attracting North Kazakhstan region develops camping, Remembrance for Victims of Political Zhambyl region initiates investment projects foreign investment will unlock Kazakhstan’s caravan tourism B6 Repression A2 to boost industrial sector A5 potential A7

US$ 1 = 334.50 KZT € 1 = 394.51 KZT 1 = 5.34 KZT A2 NATION

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018

NATIONAL FIC focuses on modernisation efforts NEWS IN BRIEF Continued from Page A1 applications for membership, The new terminal at Naz- which will be considered. arbayev International Airport has The President stressed that at- Director of the European Bank served approximately two million tention should be paid to ensuring for Reconstruction and Devel- passengers and operated more the rule of law and improving the opment for Kazakhstan Agris than 10,000 flights in its first year, quality of public administration. Preimanis also presented his rec- according to the airport’s press “Second is the diversification of ommendations on developing Ka- service. “Fifteen foreign and two the economy and the introduction zakhstan’s economy and attract- domestic airlines operate at the of new technologies. More than ing investors. airport. The total capacity of the 1,200 new enterprises have been He confirmed the need to de- T1 terminal is 5.2 million passen- launched within the industrialisa- velop human capital, noting the gers per year,” it noted in a June tion programme; investment and shortage of a high-quality work- 5 release. The terminal opened export strategies are being imple- force remains a key barriers to May 31, 2017 as part of the Nur- mented,” Nazarbayev said. business development for foreign ly Zhol programme and the first He also highlighted the im- and local companies, according flight left from Astana to Moscow portance of major projects with to a Kazinform report. He also June 5. The 47,000-square metre transnational corporations, the stressed the need to develop a new terminal has a baggage handling development of agrarian science, environmental code and to ex- system which complies with Eu- the transfer of technologies and empt those who voluntarily paid ropean Union standards, process- maintaining high growth rates in penalties and taxes from criminal ing up to 1,200 pieces per hour. the construction industry. liability. The President outlined the need Chair of the Board of Directors Genesis Mining, the largest to modernise the infrastructure as of ERG S.a.r.l. Alexander Machk- cloud bitcoin mining company, a third priority akorda.kz Photo credit: evitch proposed to accelerate the will invest about 1 million euros (US$1.1 million) in a Pavlodar- “We are in the process of creat- in the regions and on the national ital development. The education new council members: President digitisation of Kazakhstan by cre- based data processing centre in ing a Eurasian multimodal transit- level. system should be transformed of the ExxonMobil Production ating a data management ecosys- cooperation with KZ System, re- transport hub. The Nurly Zhol in- “The fourth area is digitisation. with regard to economy moderni- Company Neil Duffin, Chair of the tem, forbes.kz reports. He stressed ported the National Blockchain frastructure programme is aimed We have launched the Digital Ka- sation and digitalisation. In this Management Board of the Eura- the need to, first, create a national and Crypto-Technology Associa- at strengthening the Eurasian zakhstan state programme. Digi- regard, I propose human capital sian Development Bank Andrey data storage centre in coopera- integration and linking with Chi- tal technologies need to be intro- development as the topic for the Belyaninov, President of Philip tion with all the players of the tion in a June 8 press release. “The na’s Belt and Road Initiative. The duced at enterprises in our basic next meeting [of the council],” the Morris International for Eastern market – the state, businesses and pilot project aims to test, dem- Astana International Financial industries, agribusiness, transport President said. Europe Region Marco Mariotti, the IT community. A national data onstrate and further develop the Centre will be presented on July and other spheres,” he empha- Nazarbayev also instructed the and Director of Marubeni Cor- analytics centre is also necessary, capabilities of Kazakhstan in the 5. It is to become the core of Ka- sised. government to consider all the poration Shigeru Yamazoe. The he said. It will raise the quality field of new computing technolo- zakhstan’s financial infrastructure Nazarbayev also noted the need recommendations of the working board also included the Chair of of data processing and formulate gies. The data processing centre and a hub for the entire Central to develop human capital and the groups of the Foreign Investors’ the Board of Kazakhstan’s Ata- up-to-date tasks for the domestic of Kazakhtelecom is the only data Asian region,” said Nazarbayev. importance of transforming the Council and the proposals of the maken National Chamber of En- market and solutions based on the centre with Tier III certification,” He also spoke in detail on the education system. speakers at the event. trepreneurs Ablai Myrzakhmetov. real needs of both businesses and said the association. digitisation of economic sectors “The fifth sphere is human cap- The President also introduced Nazarbayev noted there are other the state. Reconstruction of the 363-kilo- metre Karaganda-Balkhash Road will start this year financed by a 2018-2020 loan from the Export- Import Bank of China, reported Five new vice Kazakhstan marks National Day Kazinform. Plans are underway to build a road maintenance com- pany in Zhumabek village and road maintenance sites in Ak- ministers appointed to of Remembrance for Victims of chatau and Aksu-Ayuli villages and roadside service facilities are also expected to be constructed. “The implementation will be car- oversee digitisation Political Repression ried out on eight sites by a con- University in South Korea. He has cal reasons, 103,000 people were “Compassion and help from the sortium consisting of the Chinese By Aigerim Seisembayeva degrees in economics, computer By Zhanna Shayakhmetova convicted of crimes and 25,000 Kazakh people helped them to sur- CITIC Construction, KazGerStroi science and law. of them were sentenced to death. vive and gain hope. These were and Todini Central Asia compa- ASTANA – The Kazakh gov- He worked at the Kazagromar- ASTANA – Kazakh President Eleven [labour] camps were estab- the results of a tragic experiment nies,” said KazAvtoZhol regional ernment appointed June 6-7 five keting Company, Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev honoured lished in Kazakhstan. Repressed under the slogan of [building] branch head Kanat Shaimin on new vice ministers to oversee Gharysh Sapary (space agency), the millions of victims of famine, peoples and members of their ‘the bright future of communism.’ May 29. digitisation within their minis- the National Information Tech- forced labour, deportation and families lived there in severe con- Such consequences are inevitable tries. They join Deputy Prime nologies Company, the National other consequences of decisions ditions,” he said. when revolutions happen instead An open-air museum will Minister Askar Zhumagaliyev Medical Holding, the Centre for made by the Stalin-led Soviet gov- of evolutionary development. The be constructed at the Saryarka who is responsible for overseeing Medical Technologies and Infor- ernment in the middle of the 20th Kazakh Khalkyna Myn Algys Egyptian-style pyramid in the the country’s digitisation process mation Systems, the Centre for century with an official statement “The Kazakh [Gratitude to the Kazakh People] Karaganda region, reported the and who is colloquially known as Military Strategic Studies, Astana published May 31 to mark the Na- monuments erected in different regional press service. “Last year, “chief digital officer.” Innovations and the Turan Astana tional Day of Remembrance for Khalkyna Myn regions of the country symbolise this tomb structure was widely dis- The new appointees, in turn, University, among others. Victims of Political Repression. Algys [Gratitude to the sincere gratitude of numerous cussed worldwide. More than 200 were immediately dubbed “dig- From September 2017 until pre- “Today we commemorate the ethnic groups who found shelter historical monuments are located itisation commissars” as part of sent, he was Director General of National Day of Remembrance for the Kazakh People] on the Kazakh land. Our people near the pyramid. Karaganda will the largely positive comments in Kazakhstan’s Republican Centre Victims of Political Repression. kept their best human qualities de- host the international symposium social media. for Electronic Healthcare. We should understand the root monuments erected spite many losses. Our people did of archaeologists in the autumn. Ruslan Yensebayev was ap- Nariman Mukushev was ap- causes of this tragic experience for in different regions of not become hostile. Our people re- We will invite Yasuyuki Muraka- pointed Vice Minister of Finance. pointed Vice Minister of Labour many people in the 20th century. mained wise. But we will always mi from Ehime University who He graduated from the Institute and Social Protection of the Pop- Evolutionary development was the country symbolise remember these tragic experiences worked with local archaeologists of Management in 2005, the Sat- ulation. He is a graduate of the stopped due to the October politi- the sincere gratitude and appreciate our greatest asset – two years ago in the Alat settle- payev Kazakh National Technical Suleyman Demirel University cal coup that took place in 1917. our independence,” he said. ment near the Kent Mountains,” University in 2013 and the Inter- and the International Business After that, the Civil War destroyed of numerous ethnic Nazarbayev noted that “history said Karaganda region Akim national University of Informa- Academy. He holds a bachelor’s peoples’ way of life, as did the lessons are valuable when young (Governor) Yerlan Koshanov at a tion Technologies in 2016. degree in systems engineering rapid industrialisation and collec- groups who found generations of Kazakh people June 8 briefing. He started his career in 2001 as and a master’s degree in business tivisation of agriculture conducted shelter on the Kazakh study and understand them.” a leading specialist for the Centre administration. by the Soviet authorities, along “Social unity, interethnic har- Twenty IT classrooms offering for Informatisation of Financial In 2005-2014, he worked at Ka- with famine and violence,” said land. Our people mony, economic stability and a 3D modelling, architecture, de- Systems state company. He then zkommertsbank, including as Di- Nazarbayev. strong reputation are reliable guar- sign, animation, programming and held executive positions in the rector of Innovative Technologies The President said that the sig- kept their best human antees against the tragedies our website creation will be opened National Information Technolo- Department. From 2014 to 2017, nificant population losses expe- qualities despite many people experienced in the 20th this year in the Aktobe region, ac- gies Company, Kazakhtelecom he was the Managing Director rienced by Kazakhstan are rarely century. We should appreciate cording to Kazinform. “The head national company, the Zerde Na- for Innovation and IT at Kazpost. witnessed in history. losses.” these achievements to prevent the of state set tasks related to the de- tional Infocommunication Hold- From September 2017 to present, “Approximately 2 million peo- mistakes of the past,” he said. velopment of digitalisation. We ing and the Kazatomprom Nation- he held the position of Kazpost’s ple died and about 1 million more The Day of National Remem- almost completely solved these is- al Atomic Company. From June Managing Director for Business were forced to leave the country The head of state noted that “not brance of Victims of Political Re- sues in our region except in remote 2017 until present, he was Chair Transformation and IT. from 1929 to 1933. Political re- only Kazakh people but also 1.5 pression, a day to mourn those lost villages where there is no internet. of the Board of Zerde. Rustem Bigari was appointed pression led to the mass deaths million repressed representatives or negatively impacted by Soviet All city schools are equipped with Dinara Scheglova is now Vice Vice Minister of Education and of the best representatives of of other ethnic groups were forci- policies, has been observed yearly computers and have access to the Minister of Information and Com- Science. He graduated from the Kazakh intelligentsia. For politi- bly deported to Kazakhstan.” since 1997. internet. We will improve the in- munications. In 2004, she gradu- Ualikhanov Kokshetau State ternet speed, too,” said Aktobe ated from the Gumilyov Eurasian University in 1999, majoring in region Akim (Governor) Berdybek National University, in 2007 from informatics and computer en- Saparbayev. the Ryskulov Kazakh Economic gineering. He holds a master’s University and in 2012 from the degree from the Boston Univer- Parking services on Nurzhol Kazakh University of Econom- sity (the USA) in information Government to provide up Boulevard can be made through ics, Finance and International systems with a specialisation in Egov.kz and Qamqor.gov.kz and Trade. She has a bachelor’s de- cybersecurity. He is the holder of Kazpost offices, according to the gree in management, as well as in the Bolashak scholarship and a Astana mayor’s office. “The fine information systems. Scheglova PhD in computer science, control to 14,000 start up microloans payment is immediately sent to started her career in 2001 in the and management. planned to provide another 42 bil- and unemployed people,” Dulatov the database due to the integra- commercial industry, after which He worked at the United Na- By Zhanat Tukpiyev lion tenge (US$125.6 million). said. tion of the bank payment system she worked as a consultant to the tions Development Programme Thus, 45 billion tenge (US$134.5 According to Dulatov, the pro- with a single register of admin- World Bank in Kazakhstan in in Kazakhstan, the National In- ASTANA – Approximately million) will be allocated to rural ject participants will need to un- istrative violations. There is a 2008-2009. formation Technologies Compa- 14,000 start-up entrepreneurs will population and 17 billion tenge dergo training under the Business need to indicate the budget clas- From 2011 to 2018, she held ex- ny and the Administration of the be eligible to receive microloans (US$50.83 million) for those liv- Bastau programme to receive fi- sification code (number 204106). ecutive positions at Zerde. Start- President of Kazakhstan, where this year, Director of Employment ing in single-industry towns,” Du- nancial assistance. In case of incorrect indication of ing January 2018 to present, she he was chief expert, consultant and Labour Market Development latov said. “Last year, we trained 15,000 the payment code, the penalty held the position of Deputy Chair- and then head of Informatisation Department of the Ministry of La- Last year, microloans were is- entrepreneurs, of which more than will not be paid off. At present, 17 person of the Board of Zerde. Sector. bour and Social Protection of Pop- sued to 7,000 people, he said. 3,000 received funding. Approxi- second-tier banks are connected Olzhas Abishev was appointed From August 2009 until pre- ulation Zhenisbek Dulatov said at “This year, we plan to cover mately, 4,000 participants did not to this system. The payment can Vice Minister of Healthcare. He sent, he was Deputy Head of June 7 press conference. 14,000 participants, including peo- manage to get financing. This year, be also made through the Kaspi is a graduate of the Kyzylorda Department of Informatisation “As is known, each year the ple who want to start their business we plan to cover all the partici- and QIWI terminals and Qazkom State University, the University and Protection of Information government allocates 20 bil- and who have not received any pants of last year and additionally website. The parking fines can of Aulie Ata, the Engineering Resources at the Presidential Ad- lion tenge (US$59.8 million) for assistance from the state before. train 30,000 new participants un- be checked via @KazPostBot on College and the Andong National ministration. micro lending. This year, it is Mainly they are self-employed der the programme,” he added. Telegram,” noted the release. A3 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018

EXTERNAL NEWS IN BRIEF CIS heads of government discuss More than 40 agreements worth $13 billion were signed June 8 at the Kazakh-Chinese business council meeting in Beijing. The cooperation in Dushanbe agreements focus on the attrac- tion of investment to the country’s By Aigerim Seisembayeva special economic zones, field ex- ploration, renewable energy, crea- ASTANA – Commonwealth of tion of biochemical cluster, among Independent States (CIS) heads other areas. The meeting gathered of government, including Ka- more than 400 representatives of zakh Prime Minster Bakytzhan Kazakh and Chinese businesses. Sagintayev, discussed economic Half of the agreements are in the interaction and cooperation within investment sector, which demon- the Commonwealth in areas such strates a growing interest among as energy development and intel- the Chinese companies, said Sam- lectual property during a June 1 ruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth meeting in Dushanbe. Fund Chair Akhmetzhan Yessi- In addition to Sagintayev, the mov. China is the fourth largest prime ministers of Belarus – An- investor in Kazakhstan with $17 drei Kobyakov, Kyrgyzstan – billion invested. Muhammetkaliy Abulgaziyev, Russia – Dmitry Medvedev, Uz- Kazakh Senate Chair Kassym- bekistan – Abdulla Aripov and Jomart Tokayev met June 7 with Tajikistan – Qohir Rasulzoda at- Vatican Secretary of State Cardi- tended. The meeting also included nal Pietro Parolin during an of- the first deputy prime ministers of ficial visit to the Vatican. During Azerbaijan Yaqub Eyyubov, Ar- the meeting, Tokayev said high- menia Ararat Mirzoyan and Dep- level cooperation is the result of uty Prime Minister and Foreign 26 years of diplomatic relations Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid between Kazakhstan and the Vati- Meredov. Permanent Plenipoten- can. The visit of Pope John Paul tiary Representative of Moldova II to Astana in 2001 was a mile- to statutory and other bodies of stone, he said, demonstrating a the CIS Victor Sorochan and Ex- high assessment of Kazakhstan’s ecutive Committee Chair, CIS Ex- domestic and foreign policy. To- ecutive Secretary Sergey Lebedev also attended. kayev briefed Parolin on the up- primeminister.kz Photo credit: coming Congress of Leaders of Tajik President Emomali Rah- World and Traditional Religions mon met with the heads of del- The Kazakh side also raised the signed agreements related to regu- cussed bilateral economic and President Sooronbay Jeenbe- October 10-11 and conveyed the egations prior to the CIS Heads of issue of the modernisation and im- lating cooperation in intellectual trade relations, as well as coopera- kov’s official visit to Kazakhstan invitation to the congress to Pope Government Council meeting to provement of the commonwealth property, innovative energy de- tion in energy, industrial and cus- last December. The sides also re- Francis and to Parolin on behalf discuss plans for joint work. within the framework of the up- velopment, electronic and electri- toms policy. viewed the implementation of the of Kazakhstan President Nursul- The meeting in narrow format coming renewal of the Concept for cal equipment waste management, Sagintayev and Abulgaziyev instructions of the heads of state to discussed economic interaction Further Development of the CIS interstate standardisation and cus- discussed developing Kazakh- increase bilateral trade to $1 bil- tan Nazarbayev. within commonwealth and a brief- and the Plan of Key Implementa- toms. Kyrgyz cooperation in the socio- lion by 2020. ing on negotiations to draft an tion Measures initiated by Presi- The next meeting of the coun- economic, trade, investment, bor- In addition, the Kyrgyz and Astana will host for the first agreement on free trade in services. dent Nursultan Nazarbayev during cil is scheduled for this autumn in der and customs spheres. Kazakh heads of government time the World Modern Pentath- Trade between Kazakhstan and the Oct. 11, 2017, CIS Council of Astana. The Kazakh and Kyrgyz of- discussed the implementation of lon Cup Final June 21-24 organ- the CIS countries grew by almost Heads of State in Sochi. On the sidelines of the heads of ficials noted the importance of the Bilateral Economic Coopera- ised by the International Modern 25 percent last year and amounted The meeting in an expanded for- government meeting, Sagintayev agreements reached between the tion Roadmap signed in Astana Pentathlon Federation (The Union to more than $22 billion. In the mat mooted further strengthening met with his Russian and Kyrgyz heads of the two states during the Dec. 2, 2017, and participation in Internationale de Pentathlon Mod- first quarter of 2018, trade with the of trade and economic relations counterparts Dmitry Medvedev working meeting of the heads of the upcoming meeting of the CIS erne) and Kazakh Modern Pen- CIS countries grew by 10 percent between the participating states. and Muhammetkaliy Abulgaziyev. the Central Asian states in Astana Council of Heads of State in Ka- tathlon Federation. The world’s to $5.3 billion. The participants discussed and Sagintayev and Medvedev dis- last March and during Kyrgyz zakhstan. best 72 athletes – 36 men and 36 women – from 25 countries will participate. Kazakhstan is proud to host the World Cup under the ICH, which consists of 24 coun- aegis of the UIPM, said Secretary tries and coordinates its national General of the Modern Pentathlon and international efforts at regular Federation of Kazakhstan Leonid Kazakhstan elected to UNESCO meetings. Zimarev. The large-scale sport One of the convention’s key in- event is dedicated to the celebra- struments is the ICH representative tion of the 20th anniversary of the list. To date, the national commit- Kazakh capital. Intangible Cultural Heritage committee tee, which operates under the Na- countries. Delegates who sup- Organisation (ISESCO) national tice of preserving cultural herit- tional Commission for UNESCO Staff Report ported the selection noted the ex- commission, which strives to age around the world. Kazakhstan and Latvian for- and ISESCO, managed to include popularise the rich traditions and ICH covers oral traditions and eign ministries’ representatives eight Kazakh applications – the ASTANA – Kazakhstan has culture of the Kazakh people, as forms of cultural expression, per- said during a recent meeting in art of kyi performance on dombra, been elected to the United Na- The country’s well as the nation’s international forming arts, rituals and festivals, Riga they want to expand trade, Kazaksha kures (wrestling), assyk economic and foreign policy ties. tions Educational, Scientific and cultural engagement. knowledge and customs about na- Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) permanent The country’s permanent del- ture and the universe and skills as- games, aitys (song competitions), State Secretary for Latvian For- skills for assembling a yurt (to- eign Ministry Andrejs Pildegovičs Intergovernmental Committee for egation to UNESCO thanked the sociated with traditional crafts and delegation to gether with Kyrgyzstan), Nauryz said Kazakhstan is a priority the Safeguarding of Intangible general assembly for its trust, not- their protection includes measures (Traditional Spring New Year) partner in the region. Education, Cultural Heritage (ICH). The vote UNESCO thanked ing that promoting Kazakh cul- to ensure viability. The convention traditions, hunting with birds green technology, information was conducted at the seventh ses- tural heritage in today’s world is identifies, revives, documents, re- the general assembly and making fine bread (katyram/ technology as well as the devel- sion of the UNESCO General As- an important part of the Ruhani searches, popularises and creates opment of transport and logistics sembly, held June 4-6 in Paris, and for its trust. Zhangyru (‘Modernisation of Ka- conditions for their transfer to fu- lavash/yupka/yufka). Five other are of interest to both countries, national experts will participate zakhstan Identity’) programme. It ture generations. applications are pending. said Latvian Ambassador to Ka- on the committee for the next four added Kazakh committee mem- The ICH convention, adopted The work contributes to im- zakhstan Jurijs Pogrebņaks. Bilat- years. pertise of Kazakh specialists on bers will work to strengthen ex- in 2003, has been ratified by 178 proving Kazakhstan’s recognition eral cooperation is also expected Kazakhstan’s candidacy was the UNESCO and Islamic Edu- pertise in the field and contribute nations. Its tasks are executed by through its unique culture and at- cational, Scientific and Cultural to strengthen with the recent supported by 98 of 156 voting to improving the theory and prac- the committee for the protection of tracts foreign tourists. launch of Riga-Almaty route by airBaltic.

Turkic Council countries are of- fering a Modern Silk Road tour to attract tourists from Europe and On state visit to Beijing, Kazakh President North America. The tour runs from Turkey to Azerbaijan to Kazakh- stan and finishes in Kyrgyzstan. Prices for the 15-day tour start at meets Chinese leader, business executives $3,600. In Kazakhstan, the tour Continued from Page A1 The Kazakh President later oil and gas, banking, engineering, China via Kazakhstan in 15 days, Centre has begun its work, and is starts in Almaty, and continues by met with Chairman of the Board logistics, chemical and food indus- while shipping by sea takes two to intended to become a regional cen- train to Turkestan, Shymkent and The next day, the Kazakh Presi- of CNPC Wang Yilin, one of the tries in the Central Asian country. three times more time.” tre for the development of green, Taraz. After that, participants go dent met with Li Zhanshu. main partners of Kazakhstan in The meeting of more than 300 He then underlined some pro-in- Islamic and innovative financial to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan. Along “For our people, you are a great the production, transportation and business representatives resulted vestment and business environment instruments. So I invite Chinese the way, participants visit histori- friend, and for me personally, you are deep processing of oil and gas. in the signing of about 40 commer- measures taken by Kazakhstan, companies to take part in the im- cal and cultural monuments along one of the most respected statesmen. “Over the years, more than 100 cial documents worth $13 billion. such as the liberalisation of busi- plementation of these large-scale this traditional and deep-rooted Under your leadership, Kazakhstan million tons of oil have been pro- Within the industrialisation and in- ness legislation; the launch of the projects,” Nazarbayev said. route. formed a market economy, the qual- duced and we are ready to con- vestment cooperation, 51 projects Council of Foreign Investors; the As part of the visit, Nazarbayev ity of life improved, and social stabil- tinue cooperation with your com- were formed, equal to $28 billion. work of Kazakh Invest and Kazakh also met with the creative group of Kazakh Ambassador to the Unit- ity was entrenched. The standing of pany, especially with regard to Nazarbayev stressed in his re- Export national companies; simpli- the first joint Kazakh-Chinese film, ed Kingdom Erlan Idrissov briefed Kazakhstan in the world and the re- the use of the Kenkiyak-Atyrau marks to business representatives fied processes for attracting foreign “Composer,” dedicated to the friend- the media June 1 on Kazakh-Brit- gion is constantly growing… as your pipeline to increase the oil supply the advantageous geopolitical lo- labour, obtaining licenses and sign- ship of composers Bakhytzhan Bai- ish relations. Idrissov said bilateral friend and your neighbour, China is to China and domestically,” said cation of Kazakhstan and the busi- ing subsurface use contracts; and kadamov and Xi Xinghai, who lived trade grew 1.5 percent in 2017 to sincerely pleased with the successes Nazarbayev, expressing overall ness opportunities it presents. tax incentives and preferences for in Almaty during the Second World $1.2 billion. More than 800 com- of your country,” Li said. satisfaction with the company’s re- “Kazakhstan is a member of the participants of 11 special economic War. The project was directed by panies and representative offices Nazarbayev mentioned that sults in Kazakhstan. Eurasian Economic Union, with and 24 industrial zones. Kazakhfilm in partnership with the with British participation are regis- China’s development path over the “We have the opportunities and more than 180 million people and “The state programme for the Chinese companies Shinework Pic- tered in Kazakhstan. Britain is one past 40 years has been marked by the willingness to develop and with no [internal] customs borders. agro-industrial complex and the tures and China Film Coproduction of Kazakhstan’s 10 largest trading world-class achievements. work further,” Wang concurred. Five railway and six automobile Digital Kazakhstan programme Corporation. partners and among the six largest “China has become one of the Meetings with Chinese and Ka- international routes connecting are implemented. We are consid- While in Beijing, Nazarbayev foreign investors. Over the past 13 largest and leading economies in zakh business circles took up the China and other Asian countries ering putting our major national also laid flowers at the People’s years, the inflow of direct invest- the world. Innovations are rapidly last day of the trip. with Europe through Russia, the companies through initial public Heroes Monument on Tiananmen ment from the U.K. to Kazakhstan introduced, investment in science Currently, China ranks fourth in Caspian and Black Seas, as well offerings on the stock exchanges of Square, honouring the memory of has exceeded $12 billion, which is is growing – your country has en- terms of direct investment in Ka- as Iran and Turkey go through Ka- Hong Kong and Shanghai. Within the Chinese people who gave their about 5 percent of foreign invest- tered an entirely new phase of its zakhstan; more than 1,200 enter- zakhstan, which allows businesses the infrastructure of EXPO 2017, lives for national liberation in the ment in the country. development,” he added. prises with Chinese capital work in to deliver goods to Europe from the Astana International Financial 19th and 20th centuries. A4 ECONOMY

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018

ECONOMY Kazakhstan in consultations on Authorities to develop NEWS IN BRIEF Kazakh Invest Chair Saparbek Tuyakbayev presented the country’s investment opportunities at a busi- easing OPEC oil output reduction Internet of Things ness forum in Cologne, reported notes and the Ministry of Agricul- Kazakh-tv.kz. German entrepre- Staff Report ture uses blockchain-based elec- neurs in renewable energy, tourism tronic grain receipts. and construction were especially in- agreement, says minister ASTANA – Kazakhstan plans to Blockchain projects have also terested in tax benefits for investors. percent of global oil production, to “We, Kazakhstan, are fulfilling develop the country’s Internet of been implemented in Kazakhstan The Kazakh delegation also held By Assel Satubaldina ease a global supply glut and push our obligations under OPEC. We Things and additive manufactur- by Ministry of Finance, Kazpost bilateral meetings during the forum. up oil prices that dropped below agreed that there will be a certain oil ing technologies under the nation- and are part of the nation’s e-gov- “We recently started cooperating ASTANA – Kazakhstan is con- $30 in early 2016 as the situation output volume and quota if it does al Digital Kazakhstan programme, ernment services. with Kazakh partners. This presen- sulting other producers on the po- wa further exacerbated by China’s not harm international investors. Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Zhumagaliyev stressed that fur- tation was interesting and inspiring tential easing of a 2016 oil output economic slowdown and the U.S. That is all what I can say,” said Bo- Askar Zhumagaliyev announced ther development requires legisla- for me. Kazakhstan is a develop- reduction agreement between the increasing oil output as a shale oil zumbayev, emphasising that OPEC recently at the opening of the in- tion and infrastructure. In this re- ing country that surprises Germans Organisation of the Petroleum producer. has no claims against Kazakhstan. ternational conference Blockchain gard, he called on the Ministry of with its development and living Exporting Countries (OPEC) and “We are now conducting con- The country’s oil production vol- Regulation: Opportunities and Information and Communication standards. I believe that Kazakh- non-OPEC members, Kazakh En- sultations with our partners, non- ume, noted the minister, is forecast Risks. and Zerde national info commu- stan has great potential. I represent ergy Minister Kanat Bozumbayev OPEC members. I could not say to reach 104 million tonnes per year According to the press service of nication holding to facilitate the a technology company that focuses said recently. anything concrete on that,” said by 2025 from the current 86 mil- the National Association of Block- solution of these issues. on innovations and we manufacture Bozumbayev. lion, thanks to the major Kashagan, chain and Crypto technology De- The organisers of the confer- complete products. I want to point Over the first four The deal came into force in Janu- Tengiz and Karachaganak fields. velopment (NABCD), Zhumagali- ence noted that the interaction out that we are interested in working ary 2017 over an initial six-month During the next OPEC meeting yev emphasised the importance of the state with the professional with Kazakh companies,” said Zoz months of 2018, period. Though the Vienna agree- slated for June 22-23 in Vienna, the of applying new technologies in community and associations is an Group President Henning Zoz. oil production in ment yielded its intended effect, the countries are expected to discuss Kazakhstan and outlined the con- important part of the nationwide latest OPEC and non-OPEC pro- terms of the agreement and poten- ditions for its development. digitisation programme. April results indicate Kazakh- stan’s business register recorded Kazakhstan totalled ducing countries’ meeting in No- tial adjustments based on current “In line with the Digital Kazakh- “The main purpose of this con- nearly 140,000 active small compa- vember 2017 agreed to extend oil market conditions, among other is- stan programme, development of ference is to collect and process nies, 0.4 percent more than March 30 million tonnes, output curbs until the end of 2018. sues. Russian Energy Minister Al- the Internet of Things, additive the best international experience and just 8.1 percent more than a Kazakhstan’s oil output, howev- exander Novak and Saudi Arabian technologies, artificial intelligence in this field. As organisers of 6 percent higher as year ago, according to ranking.kz. er, continued rising. Energy Minister Khalid al-Faleh, and blockchain technology is pro- this event, we tried to provide Astana is the key driver of small compared to the same Over the first four months of representing the world’s two larg- visioned. The use of blockchain all possible instruments in or- business activity with 18,000 oper- 2018, oil production in Kazakhstan technologies allows excluding in- der to study this experience in est oil producers, recently said the ating companies and a 30.9-percent period last year. termediaries and barriers in con- close cooperation with the state totalled 30 million tonnes, 6 percent countries may start steadily increas- increase year-on-year. The most ducting transactions,” said Zhum- and on its basis create necessary higher as compared to the same pe- ing their oil production in the sec- significant concentration of active OPEC and non-OPEC countries agaliyev. legal documents, taking into ac- riod last year. ond half of 2018. small businesses still falls in the agreed in November 2016 in Vi- He also said Kazakh projects in- count interests of the National Bozumbayev noted, however, the Bozumbayev confirmed Ka- financial centre; however, the num- enna to cut oil production by 1.8 volving blockchain technology are Bank, large foreign companies country lives up to its obligations zakhstan’s participation in the ber in Almaty decreased 0.3 percent widely implemented. The National and other interested parties,” million barrels per day, roughly 2 under the agreement. June meeting. during the month. Nevertheless, the Bank uses blockchain technol- said Alan Dordzhiev, NABCD city had an annual dynamics growth ogy in the placement of short-term president. of 5.1 percent to 32,000 companies.

Slovenian businesspersons are National Bank: citizens ready to cooperate with their Ka- zakh counterparts in the produc- tion sector and information tech- Government nology (IT) industry, according to buying fewer US dollars 24.kz. More than 100 Slovenian 24.6 percent and 13.5 percent, re- billion, a 31.1-percent per month companies currently operate in By Yerbolat Uatkhanov spectively. Expenses to buy U.S. increase. boosts e-commerce Kazakhstan. It is important for dollars decreased 23.4 percent, re- The report added the increased Slovenian investors to enter Ka- ASTANA – The National Bank ported the bank. trading volumes of the tenge/dollar zakhstan’s market, because of the reported a sharp decrease in May In April, the national currency currency pair were in reaction to geopolitical location of the latter, in the demand for U.S. dollars. exchange rate fluctuated in the the volatility of Russian markets. development said Kazakh-Slovenian Business Last month, Kazakh citizens pur- range of 319.24-330.88 tenge per The Kazakh tenge got depreci- Club President Dejan Štancer. chased 23.4 percent fewer dollars dollar. At the end of the month, the ated 19-percent in February 2014. Continued from Page A1 such as online store, website and Representatives of both parties are compared to April. exchange rate was 327.25 tenge, The second wave of devaluation electronic merchandise trade. E- prepared to increase trade turnover The population bought 146.1 weakening 2.8 percent during the in August 2015 was even more The ministry drafted a bill “On commerce companies and individ- between the countries, which last billion tenge (US$444.1 million) month but strengthening 1.5 per- dramatic. The government tried Amendments to Certain Legisla- ual entrepreneurs are released from year was $97 million. in foreign currency in May. Bank cent since the beginning of the to correct it, but too many fac- tive Acts of the Republic of Ka- paying corporate and individual experts report citizens purchased year. tors, including falling oil prices zakhstan on Trade Regulation,” taxes for five years. The measures Kazakhstan has attracted $264 52.9 percent of the total foreign The National Bank indicated the and additional downward pres- which seeks to systematise the will help increase the number of billion of direct investment dur- currency in Russian rubles (77.3 volume of operations on the tenge/ sure from the rapid devaluation conceptual apparatus and develop e-commerce entities, register new ing the past 12 years, according to billion tenge or US$234.9 mil- dollar currency pair reached $17 of the ruble, influenced the eco- mechanisms to legally regulate ones and withdraw from shadow the Ministry for Investment and lion), 30.5 percent in dollars (44.6 billion (a 41.7-percent per month nomic situation. e-commerce. Adopting the bill turnover, said Suleimenov. Development, reported 24.kz. The billion tenge or US$135.5 million) increase) in April, including the The two devaluations have will provide a way to control the As a result of the modern tel- largest shares, mainly for mineral and 15.8 percent in euros (23.1 bil- volume of exchange trades at dented Kazakh citizens’ trust in relationship between e-commerce ecommunications infrastructure, extraction, are from China, France, lion tenge or US$70.2 million). the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange the national currency, but thanks users and providers and improve 78.8 percent of the population the Netherlands, Russia, Switzer- Compared to the previous ($4.4 billion or an 84.9 percent to the National Bank’s economic protecting the rights of consumers used the Internet last year. By land and the U.S. In recent years, month, foreign currency expenses increase). The volume of transac- policy they have regained trust in and entrepreneurs. 2021, most of Kazakhstan’s rural foreign investors have paid special increased 0.4 percent. Costs to pur- tions in the over-the-counter for- the tenge and are again beginning As part of the legislative chang- settlements will have broadband attention to the manufacturing sec- chase euros and rubles increased eign exchange market was $12.6 to save in the national currency. es, the new tax code defines terms coverage. tor. “According to the statistics of 2017, every fourth dollar that came to the economy of Kazakhstan went to the manufacturing sector. Com- pared to the statistics of 2009, the manufacturing sector accounted for 58 enterprises utilise renewable 8.3 percent,” said Investment Com- mittee Chairperson Yerlan Khairov.

The Kostanai administration is energy, says energy minister interested in creating a free eco- iffs of end users through the in- The challenges to construct to thermal power stations in the ments for fuel quality will be raised nomic zone (FEZ) on the building industrial zone grounds, reported By Dana Omirgazy troduction of renewable energy counter-regulators at the Shulba capital, two regions and 171 set- from the K2 standard to K4 and K5 alau.kz. Experts feel this will at- capacities,” he added. hydro power plant on the Irtysh tlements. in the second half of the year, lead- tract new investors to the city, ASTANA – Fifty-eight Kazakh Gas power stations generated River are being studied to develop To reduce the emission of harm- ing to a significant reduction in air because the zone has special le- enterprises currently use renew- 20.2 percent of electricity last year, hydropower. ful pollutants into the atmosphere, emissions from motor vehicles. gal status and offers preferential able energy sources (RES) with a with a planned target of 20 percent Reporting on the implementa- measures were taken to de-nitrate A regulatory legal framework economic conditions for entre- total capacity of 352 megawatts, by 2020. Gas turbine power sta- tion of President Nursultan Naz- and de-sulphurise exhaust gases has been established for waste preneurs. The FEZ is expected to figures expected to reach 68 fa- tions built along the Beineu-Bo- arbayev’s five social initiatives, and dust. Working in conjunction management to define the require- include the Belarus tractor assem- cilities and approximately 490 zoi-Shymkent gas pipeline are set Bozumbayev noted the specifics with energy producing organisa- ments for secondary raw materials, bly plant and factories producing megawatts by the end of the year, to ensure the growth of gas-fired are being worked out to construct tions, a plan is being developed separate collection processing and elevator equipment, silicate brick, said Minister of Energy Kanat power plants. The ministry is also the first stage of the 1,081-kilo- this year for long-term, phased-in disposal. Relevant projects are be- ceramsite blocks and machine Bozumbayev during the June working with the Samruk Kazyna metre Saryarka main gas pipeline measures to reduce emissions at ing implemented to improve the parts, as well as hubs to process 5 government meeting devoted Sovereign Wealth Fund to transfer along the Kyzylorda-Zhezkazgan- thermal power plants. In accord- effectiveness of the solid waste cereal and oilseed. The industrial to implementing the concept to Almaty Thermal Power Plant No. Karaganda-Astana route. The ance with Eurasian Customs Un- management systems in the capital zone and projects were present- Kazakhstan’s transition to green 2 to gas. section will provide natural gas ion technical regulations, require- and Almaty. ed to Prime Minister Bakytzhan economy for 2014-2017. Sagintayev. The greening of the power sector is based on developing renewable Kazakhstan made its first ship- energy, reducing carbon dioxide ment of natural uranium concen- emissions in the energy sector and trate to Brazil, reported Kazakh-tv. gasifying the country. Approxi- kz. According to experts, nuclear mately 1.1 billion kilowatt hours energy cooperation with Brazil of green energy were produced in will expand the sales geography 2017 and another 138 megawatts of Kazakh products in the global of renewable energy are expected nuclear fuel market. Kazakhstan’s to be introduced this year, he not- uranium is currently exported to ed. China, the European Union, India, “In the long term, the decline Japan, South Korea and the U.S. in the cost of RES is associ- “There are two nuclear reactors ated with the introduction of the in Brazil. The third nuclear power auction mechanism. On the one unit is under construction. I think hand, this will make the selec- that this event is very important tion of projects and investors in terms of energy cooperation transparent and understandable; development, particularly in the on the other hand, more efficient field of peaceful use of nuclear technologies and projects will energy,” said Kazakh Ambassador minimise the impact on the tar- to Brazil Kairat Sarzhanov. A5 BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF Zhambyl region initiates investment Kentau processing plant, which produces barite concentrate, re- sumed operation after standing idle for ten years, according to projects to boost industrial sector abctv.kz. To date, approximately with an annual capacity of 25 mil- The number of people employed 600 million tenge (US$1.8 mil- By Zhanna Shayakhmetova lion units, is expected to create 55 in small and medium-sized busi- lion) has been invested in the new jobs. nesses totals 127,659 people facility, which is capable of pro- ASTANA – Eight investment A local company will be mod- with an increase of 111.1 percent ducing 50,000 tonnes of barite projects estimated at 16.9 bil- ernising and reconstructing the compared to the same period last products per year and provides lion tenge (US$51.1 million) Aksuyek enriching factory in the year,” said Mukhamedzhanov. jobs for more than 100 local resi- will be launched this year in the Moiynkum district to process ex- The small and medium-sized dents. The plan is to increase pro- Zhambyl region, according to tracted lead-zinc ores. The project enterprises contributed 414.9 bil- duction volume to 1.73 million the regional industrial-innova- cost is 1.2 billion tenge (US$3 lion tenge (US$1.2 billion) in the tenge (US$5.2 million) by 2025, tive development department. million); the design capacity, past year, an 101.2-percent in- generating 344 million tenge The initiatives will create 947 15,500 tonnes of lead-zinc con- crease compared to the previous (US$1 million) in taxes. Products new jobs. centrate per year. The plant will 12 months. will be sold to national oil and gas “Overall, 36 investment pro- create 300 jobs. “This year, the enterprises companies and exported to Russia jects worth a total of 584.2 billion The region also intends to re- produced goods in the first quar- and Uzbekistan. tenge (US$1.7 billion) are being build the Merken petroleum refin- ter worth 133.3 billion tenge implemented in the Zhambyl re- ery mini-plant to a design capac- (US$403 million). The index of Construction of a 40-mega- gion as part of the industrial and ity of 39,102 tonnes per year. The physical volume amounted to watt capacity solar plant near innovative development state pro- 662-million tenge (US$2 million) 116.2 percent. At the same time, Balkhash city in the Karaganda gramme in the second five-year project will create an additional the volume of mining products region started June 7, reported period 2015-2019. These projects 70 new jobs. amounted to 15.7 billion tenge inform.kz. The total investment will create 6,380 jobs,” said de- The region is seeing an increase (US$47 million) or 117.6 percent is $46 million and project ini- partment head Arnur Mukhamed- in production and the number of compared to this figure in 2017. tiator KPM Delta is providing zhanov. workers employed in small and The share of the mining industry financing from its own funds and Taraz-based Kazphosphate will medium-sized businesses. is 11.8 percent of the total vol- a loan from the European Bank open the second stage of its min- inform.kz Photo credit: “As of May 1, 60,578 small and ume of industrial production. of Reconstruction and Develop- eral fertiliser plant as part of the medium-sized businesses are op- The manufacturing industry pro- jobs will be created for existing producing veterinary medicinal ment (EBRD). Equipment was national map to increase produc- erating in the region. There are duced production of 90.9 billion employees. products in compliance with GMP purchased from Spanish investor tion. The 8-billion tenge (US$24 5,519 legal entities, 49 medium tenge (US$275 million) with an BioVetKZ is planning to open and GLP standards. The 2-billion Risen Energy, one of the world’s million) project has a capacity of business enterprises, 38,269 en- increase of 118.2 percent,” he major solar panel producers. 500,000 tonnes per year and new a biofactory in the Kordai district tenge (US$6 million) project, trepreneurs and 16,741 farms. said. Construction will require 300 workers. The plant will be com- missioned in the first quarter of 2019 and 10 specialists will work at the facility. Kazakhstan opens office to shield Kazakhstan’s Investment Fund, a subsidiary of Baiterek National Holding which transfers prob- investors from corruption risks lematic assets to businesses, sold ficials were charged with corrup- “We firmly believe that the quality services from officials or “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs West Agro grain reception centre By Meruyert Abugaliyeva tion,” said Agency Deputy Chair agency can reduce up to 70 per- gain access to information. fully supports the initiative and in the North Kazakhstan region Olzhas Bektenov. cent of corruption risks related “While working in Kazakhstan, will contribute by informing the to Kazmeal for approximately ASTANA – The Protecting “Any investor ready to fully re- to business activities by stating investors increase the project costs foreign audience and current and 598 million tenge (US$1.8 mil- Business and Investments Project ject corruption practices while run- its presence during the project’s by around 30 percent to account potential investors about this new lion). The centre will become a Office was launched in the Kazakh ning a business [in Kazakhstan] initial stage. Before an investor for corruption-related expenses. investment protection programme part of vertically integrated agro- capital June 8 to facilitate invest- will receive full protection from is referred to government institu- If the agency works with busi- in Kazakhstan. We are confident industrial complex for grain crop ing in the Kazakh economy by corruption risks provided by the tions, we will inform the institu- nesspeople from the beginning of office activities will have a con- production and processing in shielding investors from corrup- project office,” he added explain- tions that the investor has been the project, such expenses will be siderable effect in terms of not the Akmola and North Kazakh- tion risks and alleviating bureau- ing that assistance will be available placed under the protection pro- ruled out completely,” he added. only assisting in the specific cases stan regions, reported the fund’s cratic procedures. to both foreign and local investors. gramme,” said anti-corruption Investors are required to fully it will be dealing with, but also in press service. The facilities will The office was established un- Located on the premises of the policy department head Daniyar restrain and adopt zero tolerance terms improving the business cli- also manufacture combined feed der a memorandum of cooperation Ministry for Investment and De- Sadyrbayev. for corruption practices not only mate and the overall perception of contributing to livestock devel- among the Agency for Civil Ser- velopment, the office will work A five-year analysis has shown during the project execution, but corruption practices in Kazakh- opment in the region. The grain vice Affairs and Fighting Corrup- closely with government and business people most often resort while staying in Kazakhstan gen- stan,” said Deputy Foreign Minis- reception centre was previously tion, Ministry of Foreign Affairs quasi-government institutions, the to bribery in order to receive high erally. ter Roman Vassilenko. owned by Bogvi, which has 41 and Ministry for Investment and Atameken National Chamber of enterprises and defaulted on its Development. Entrepreneurs and international obligations to the Development “Throughout Kazakhstan’s years agencies. Bank of Kazakhstan in 2010. of independence, private initia- “The project office is meant to tives and businesses have proven protect businesspeople and inves- A bioethanol and starch produc- to be key for economic develop- tors, increase trust in government tion facility in the North Kazakh- ment and well-being. The global institutions and create a favourable stan region owned by Bio Opera- community gives high assessment investment climate. We will also tions is undergoing an 11-billion to the business environment in Ka- launch branches in the regions. tenge (US$33 million) moderni- zakhstan. According to the World The office will seek to identify sation. The first stage centres on Bank’s Doing Business index, Ka- administrative barriers, imperfec- restoring the flour production line zakhstan ranks 36 out of 190 states tions of current legislation and and improving starch and glu- in 2018 and is first in terms of pro- cases of abuse of power and tackle ten manufacturing; the second, tecting minority investors. Still, them,” said office head Gulmira scheduled to start in 2019, will unfortunately, there are instances Kabiyeva. involve bioethanol and carbon of illegal intervention in business To date, nine companies have dioxide production. The facility activities, as in three years 976 been referred to the office for as- will be equipped with German cases were registered and 389 of- sistance. drying equipment for distillery waste to produce animal feed rich in proteins and a tread mill com- plex capable of working 28 days non-stop. Chinese company to build The Kazakhstan Stock Ex- change recently created a start-up platform for aspiring businesspeo- solar power plant in ple and investors, which to date has 50 start-ups and 10 investors among its registered users. Ten IT, finance and energy start-ups are Karaganda region already disclosing company in- the EBRD and the Kazakh minis- formation. Entry is free of charge, Staff Report try under an agreement signed in although each start-up must be 2017. registered as a limited liability ASTANA – The European Bank This is also the first joint EBRD company and disclose informa- for Reconstruction and Develop- project in the field of renewable tion, including financial state- ment (EBRD) and the Chinese energy in Kazakhstan with the ments and a business plan. This company Risen Energy recently Chinese company Risen Energy, allows investors to evaluate the signed an agreement to build a so- which envisages the construction projects before making a decision lar power plant in the Karaganda of a 40-megawatt solar power regarding financing. region. The agreement was signed plant in the Karaganda region. June 6 during the Foreign Inves- The financial package includes Lukoil, one of Russian’s big- tors’ Council in Astana. $22 million EBRD loan, $5.8 mil- gest oil and gas producers, plans The agreement was endorsed by lion loan from the Clean Technol- to launch a lubricant plant in the the Chairman of Risen Energy Lin ogy Fund and a loan of up to $4.2 Almaty region with an annual Haifeng and Kazakh Minister of million from the Green Climate production capacity of 100,000 Energy Kanat Bozumbayev. Fund. tonnes, reported kapital.kz. The “If this project is completed, Risen Energy will build and op- facility, using modern technol- then the capacity of all solar erate the solar power plant. Risen ogy and equipment, will be one and wind power stations in Ka- Energy is a leading Chinese manu- of the leading projects in the zakhstan will be more than 200 facturer of solar cells, which is de- Commonwealth of Independent megawatts. We have agreed with veloping a portfolio of solar pro- States (CIS), said company presi- EBRD president that our coop- jects around the world. dent Vagit Alekperov. Process eration will not be limited to this The new solar power plant is ex- automation will allow the plant to project and we will start working pected to reduce CO2 emissions by meet any order within 24 hours. on other projects as well,” said 55,000 tonnes per year, contribut- Since 1995, Lukoil has invested Bozumbayev. ing to the national emission reduc- more than $7.5 billion in the The project continues renew- tion targets and the EBRD’s Green Kazakh economy. able energy cooperation between Economy Transition strategy. A6 EDITORIAL&OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018 Astana at 20: the reality EBRD and Kazakhstan: trusted partners Different fields of economy such as trans- of Kazakhstan) has played an important role By Dr. Agris Preimanis port infrastructure also look attractive to in investment attraction of the Bank to mu- the EBRD. The Bank considers the whole nicipal and transport sectors, as well as to exceeds the vision In 1993, the European Bank for Recon- range, starting from municipal infrastruc- programmes for consultations to SMEs. The here is a great deal to celebrate output from this sector nationally. As struction and Development (EBRD) began ture and ending with irrigation systems. The prolongation of the AEP in 2017 provides for as Astana marks its 20th an- SMEs, which in Kazakhstan, as across actively working in Kazakhstan, investing Bank aspires to contribute to the develop- new fields of activities including privatisation niversary this year. It has, by the world, will drive prosperity and more than $8 billion in the country’s econ- ment of the relevant eco-system for SMEs, and the renewable energy sector. any measure, been an extraor- economic strength in the decades ahead, omy to date. which work in the most remote regions of dinaryT journey. In just two decades, the this is hugely encouraging. The current portfolio is estimated at $2.9 the country. city has become not just the vibrant, Investment in Astana’s future increas- billion with 80 percent of investments in In addition, it is worth highlighting the What does EBRD expect contemporary capital of a modern, ener- ingly comes from the private sector. infrastructure, transport, energy and natural important role of the banking and financial getic country but one that is well on the Mayor Issekeshev revealed there are in Kazakhstan? resources. The rest is dedicated to the small sectors. The EBRD has a successful pro- Kazakhstan is still a priority for EBRD. way to achieving a high global profile. currently 60 separate projects underway to medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, gramme for SMEs, and another programme Active work is ongoing upon the projects, This success, of course, was never amounting to more than $3 billion. which receives funds through financial in- that supports women entrepreneurs through which were already given a start. The results certain. There were many who wor- More than 30 international companies stitutions, as well as the directly funded cor- commercial banks in the country. of the EBRD work on reforms in the country ried whether the decision to move the are involved as partners. They see how porate and agricultural sectors. It is important to recognise strong pro- encourage optimism with regards to the new capital to what was going to be in effect ideally Kazakhstan is positioned as It is not only the amount of investments gress on reforms that the country has made investments. There are plans in the current a new city was too big an undertaking the bridge between East and West and that is important, but also the impact of the over last several years in particular. The year to make a high volume of investments for a country still making its way in view Astana as the hub of a region with Bank, working closely with the Government EBRD made its contribution to the follow- on the part of EBRD, which will depend on the world. Kazakhstan was, after all, exciting potential. of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the pri- ing areas: the existing market capacity. still struggling with the legacy it had But this barrage of facts and figures vate sector, on companies and the process 1) To public-private partnership (PPP). It is important to note that progress in the been left with from the chaotic collapse alone do not do justice to the scale of of improving the legislative and regulatory The Bank supported the Government with implementation of the key reforms that the of the Soviet Union. The country had the vision and the size of the achieve- framework in many sectors, also to the life drafting a package of amendments to the Bank has focused on will help stimulate enough difficulties to overcome, it was ment. To grasp this, it is almost neces- of the country’s population as a whole. Law on Concessions, which was adopted investment in the private sector in the next said, without inventing new challenges. sary to have seen the modest town of Starting in 1991, Kazakhstan’s GDP has in July 2014 and paved the way for launch- three-four years. Already in recent years, one But Kazakh President Nursultan Naz- Tselinograd, which was here before. shown significant growth, reaching one of ing the Almaty Ring Road PPP tender (also could observe a trend towards the develop- arbayev saw that the new capital would The idea of it hosting a successful the highest per capita income levels among known as BAKAD PPP). The Conces- ment of private Kazakh companies, which help, not hinder, the young country’s global event like EXPO or becoming the Commonwealth of Independent States sion Agreement for the BAKAD PPP was operate within the framework of PPP pro- progress and the effort, risk and invest- an increasingly important centre for (CIS) countries in 2017, though still remain- signed on Feb. 7, 2018. This is the first pri- jects, in the renewable energy, production ment would pay off both domestically international talks would have, rightly, ing below the level of developed countries. vate concession road project in Kazakhstan and services sectors, as well as in the financial and internationally. Twenty years on, been regarded as fanciful. There is still a lot to be done and the role of with total project value more than €1.2 bil- sector. This forms a basis for the subsequent his judgement has been proved abso- You also get a better understanding of the EBRD in the country is certainly grow- lion ($1.4 billion). After nearly 12 years of increase of investments in the Kazakh private lutely right. what has been achieved when you ar- ing, given that the Bank’s goals directly policy dialogue efforts, the signing of the sector on the part of EBRD. The privatisa- Astana, a capital in reach of all rive in Astana by car or train and catch resonate with the tasks that the state sets for Concession Agreement for BAKAD PPP is tion of blue-chip assets of SK and Baiterek, regions, has helped bring the country a first glimpse of the skyline as it first itself: supporting the development of a mar- a major policy breakthrough for the Bank scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2018, will closer together. It has become a symbol emerges from across the steppe and see ket economy, creating competitive business and other stakeholders involved in the pro- also contribute to the creation of further in- of Kazakhstan’s ambition both for its the skyscrapers and city grow as you conditions, supporting the development of a ject. The project is opening up the way for vestment opportunities in this sector. citizens and its global partners. Inter- get closer. It helps explain the compari- green economy and others. many more private infrastructure projects in Taking into consideration the interest of nationally, it has raised the country’s son with Dubai and Singapore, which Kazakhstan going forward. large investors to the BAKAD project after profile while, domestically, it has have both established their own unique 2) To the regulative provisions on the signing the Concession Agreement, which become a new and powerful engine for place in the world. EBRD investments and reforms renewable energy sector. The Government is going to give an impetus to the develop- the national economy. It is a skyline, which has been shaped EBRD remains strongly committed to adopted partial indexation of the feed-in- ment of similar projects in Kazakhstan, it is And while the cost of a stunning new by many of the world’s most renowned both investments and support of reforms in tariff to hard currency and created a reserve expected that more large-scale PPP projects, capital rising out of the steppes has architects. But creating a new city, like the country. In 2017 the Bank has signed 25 fund to cover short-term losses. The auction elaborated according to international stand- been large, it is also financially paying designing and constructing a breath- new projects for a total of $700 million in rules have been approved with the first auc- ards, will appear. EBRD is ready to render off as predicted. Astana’s Akim (Mayor) taking building, requires more than in- various sectors of the economy, including tion to be launched in May 2018. assistance in the preparation of these kinds Asset Issekeshev revealed last month spiration. Vision had to be coupled with mining works (Shalkiya Zink for $140 mil- 3) To the development of inclusiveness and of projects and invest in them. that Astana is now self-sustaining with detailed planning and delivery. Astana lion), municipal and transport infrastructure gender in the energy and natural resources The work done by the Government over its fast-growing economy enabling it to stands as testimony to how hard many (irrigation project for $180 million), renew- sector. The new Strategy on the Family and the past two years towards improving the pay back in tax revenues far more than people have worked to get this right. able energy (Burnoe Solar electric plant for Gender in Kazakhstan to 2030 was approved situation in the financial sector has yielded it received in public investment. As the Starting from almost scratch, of $45 million) and SME (totally $55 million) in December 2017. Under this strategy, de- good results. Moreover, there is a belief title of one of the main planning docu- course, enables a city to be developed in the shape of credit lines for banks. veloped with the EBRD support, the list of that in the medium term, the Bank will have ments forecast, Astana’s prosperity is to the needs of today and tomorrow. The Bank successfully started 2018 with jobs legally restricted to women was revised more opportunities to work in this sector. also Kazakhstan’s. Those, for example, who complain the signing of a project with French company (100 jobs were removed from the list). EBRD will continue assisting Kazakh- The statistics are impressive. The pop- about Astana’s traffic have either never Urbasolar for $8 million and on solar electric 4) To the development of the capital stan in market change aimed at giving pri- ulation has tripled over the last 20 years driven in capital cities like London, plant construction and a loan agreement with market. The Astana International Financial vate companies more significant roles. In to more than one million. Well over which grew up centuries before the au- Mangystau Electric Grid Company (REC) Centre was officially inaugurated in January the nearest future, possibly the state of the 1,000 new apartment blocks have been tomobile had been invented, or forgot- for $40 million. It is also foreseen to con- 2018. The Astana International Exchange EBRD investment environment will change, built to house the fast-expanding city’s ten what a nightmare it is to get around. clude a row of contracts in the field of renew- (AIX) adopted listing rules developed with which will affect the changes in the coun- residents. They work not just in the What can’t be designed, of course, is able energy, gasification and industry. All this EBRD assistance and will be fully function- try’s economy. government departments and national the character, which develops as a city, witnesses the great investment opportunities al in 2018. The AIX signed an agreement offices of the country’s major organisa- such as London, Paris, Rome or Almaty, in Kazakhstan for other foreign clients. with NASDAQ in early 2017 for the acqui- tions, which have all been successfully grows organically over centuries. But 2017 and 2018 have been exciting years sition of the NASDAQ Financial Frame- Formation of competitive transferred here, but increasingly in a Astana’s secret weapon is its over- for the EBRD due to (but not limited to) work trading technology. The system is now powerful and diversified economy. whelmingly young population. They green economy projects we have financed. operational. economy of Kazakhstan Over the last twenty years, the local come to study at our prestigious univer- Our headline project was investment in 5) To the subsoil use sector. A new Code From its independence, Kazakhstan has economy has been utterly transformed sities or are attracted by the opportuni- the Burnoe project 50MW solar electricity for Subsoil and Subsoil Use was adopted in reached considerable progress in the transi- with industrial production increas- ties to build a career or start a business. plant in the amount of $45 million, which December 2017 in Kazakhstan. The Code tion from the planned to the market economy ing 30 fold. The deliberate focus on It is these bright, fearless young people is important in terms of support to the green provides for new rules for granting subsoil having succeeded in its sustainable develop- helping small and medium-sized firms who are increasingly putting their own economy, as well as to the renewable en- use rights and amended transfer procedures ment. In 2017, real GDP growth amounted set up and grow has proved a remark- stamp on the city. It is perhaps the main ergy sector on a commercial scale. On the for rights/assets with the aim of increasing to 4 percent, significantly increasing from able success. They now employ more reason to be confident that Astana’s eve of the EXPO 2017, the EBRD signed a transparency and competition. 1.1 percent in 2016. The exchange rate sta- than 60 percent of the workforce and next 20 years will be as exciting and Framework Agreement with the Ministry of 6) To the process of privatisation. Achieve- bilised, despite some fluctuations caused by are responsible for a fifth of all the successful as the first two decades. Energy worth $200 million. ments include corporate governance, trans- fears of pressure on the ruble in connection parency and other improvements at the level with sanctions imposed by the U.S. against of blue chips of the Samruk Kazyna (SK) Russia. The inflation rate fell and is in the Sovereign Wealth Fund, as well as the sale range of 5-7 percent established by the Na- of 334 small assets in 2017. However, the tional Bank in 2018. sale of major assets has not yet been ac- The key question remains how the coun- complished. The IPO of the first three major try will overcome the 4 percent growth mark assets will be held in the fourth quarter of and if it will be able to reach 5-6 percent 2018 and in 2019. of the growth needed for transition to the 7) To the elaboration of the agenda for the category of more developed countries. The Foreign Investors Council (FIC). A number basis will be formed by the effective use of proposals developed by FIC members and of key growth anchors such as improved supported by EBRD were adopted by the ad- transport links, thanks to the initiative of the ministration of the President of the Republic Silk Road Economic Belt, as well as work of Kazakhstan. These include proposals to to remove the main obstacles hampering the create a platform for strategic discussions at disclosure of the full potential of the private the prime minister level and holding plenary sector (the prevalence of state enterprises, sessions in a more flexible format. underdeveloped banking and infrastructure One more area of reforms affects regu- and logistics sectors, the slow progress of lated sectors. Parliament adopted a package the green growth economy, a certain imbal- of amendments to the Law on Natural Mo- ance in the sectors of the economy). At the nopolies in December 2017 in light of tariff same time, almost all these issues were re- reforms in the regulated sectors, which fore- flected in the Strategic Plan for the Devel- see the introduction of commercial tariffs opment of the Republic of Kazakhstan until for water supply and central heating start- 2025 and other policy documents, which is ing in 2020. This kind of an initiative will a positive indicator. support the wider EBRD work programme Thus, EBRD will continue to closely co- in the municipal sector, where the Bank has operate with the Government of Kazakhstan launched an investment campaign with the and the private sector of the country to re- participation of municipal companies. move obstacles and continue working based An Agreement on Expanded Partnership on key drivers of growth for the benefit of (AEP) between EBRD and the Government the country. of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2014, being prolonged for three years in December 2017, The author is Director, Head of keeps staying the most effective interaction Kazakhstan European Bank for platforms to assist the activity of EBRD in Reconstruction and Development Kazakhstan. AEP (in the frame of funding (EBRD). This opinion was originally technical assistance and investment grant pro- published in Issue No. 2 of the Diplomatic grammes of the Government of the Republic Herald of Kazakhstan in June 2018.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018

Conclusion Astana, set to become a top desti- AIFC: local operations and international cooperation nation for investors, is increasingly recognised as a regional financial in place for all participants based on is, of course, the AIFC Interna- tral Asia and Eastern Europe. It hub for market participants, at- By Kairat Kelimbetov the highest international standards. tional Court, chaired by the Right quickly gained recognition as the tracting greater financial inflows Securities within the exchange can Honourable Lord Harry Woolf. The core of the largest economy in the to the country. With its modern The changing dynamic in current be denominated in four currencies court provides a common law court Central Asian region and top desti- infrastructure, distinct architec- economic trends indicates major – Kazakh tenge (KZT), Russian ru- system for the first time in Eurasia. nation for investors. With the AIFC ture, accessible transport links and shifts in the level of emphasis put ble (RUB), American dollar (USD) It will operate to the highest inter- and its uniquely designed platform, constantly developing education upon conventionally known de- and Chinese renminbi (RMB). The national standards to resolve civil Astana will provide the best busi- and healthcare services, Astana has velopment frameworks. Emerging AIX will offer investors access to and commercial disputes in the ness environment: tax preferences emerged as a contemporary ground markets are gaining greater domi- national assets, which are to have AIFC. It has exclusive jurisdiction for financial activities, trust and for attracting visitors and business- nance in shaping global economic IPOs on the exchange, as well as over disputes arising out of the ac- special purpose vehicle (SPV) re- es on an international level. Be- growth. Kazakhstan has great government and corporate securi- tivities and operations of the AIFC gime for project financing and Eng- coming a global smart city ensures potential showcasing its competi- ties issued from Kazakhstan and and jurisdiction in other disputes lish as the main working language, Astana’s urban development based This article will focus on the opera- tiveness and attractiveness on the other countries. It will also provide where all parties agree in writing to on top of a trusted and transparent on information and communication tions of different structures of the regional and global stage. The geo- sources of income for national in- give it to the AIFC Court. legal system, become key success technologies with sustainability AIFC and how they interact with graphic and socio-economic aspects stitutional investors. A wide range The AIFC Court is independent factors for the financial centre in and improvement of social sectors regional and international partners. of the country set a solid foundation of different asset classes, includ- in its activities and is not a part of Astana. in mind. The work of the AIFC and of extensive integration with global ing equity, debt and derivative in- the judicial system of the Republic AIFC is launching its operations its structural units will undoubtedly markets. Today, the country plays a struments, funds, commodities and of Kazakhstan. The AIFC Court at a time when modern financial brand Astana as a truly global city, strategic role in re-creating a trade Governance at AIFC Islamic financial products, will be consists of the court of first instance markets are facing major changes The AIFC is structured into dif- reaching high rankings in the level corridor connecting East and West available on the AIX. and the court of appeal. To ensure that include, for example, the rise ferent managerial and operational of attractiveness of the global in- through the Astana International Fi- The newly founded AIX will at- the prompt resolution of insignifi- of crypto-currencies and block- units. The AIFC Management vestment networks. nancial Centre (AIFC). tract greater financial inflows and cance in complexity and amount chain and new payment systems or Council, chaired by President Naz- One of the youngest and fast- The establishment of AIFC, initi- connect the world’s leading market disputes, the court of first instance artificial intelligence (AI). In turn, arbayev, is the supreme authority. est-growing cities in the world is ated by President of the Republic of players in the East from the Shang- includes the small claims court. these developments have the poten- Its main responsibilities include celebrating its 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev hai Stock Exchange and West from Complementary to the AIFC tial to reshape the financial system the definition of the main direc- becoming the capital of Kazakh- as an important component of Nasdaq, Inc. – the two main stra- Court is the International Arbitra- and the economy as a whole, with tions of development, coordina- stan on July 5, 2018. In the past 20 country-wide economic and insti- tegic AIX partners. The AIX is a tion Centre (AIC). The Court and the entrance of new (non-financial) tion of the activities of the bodies years, Astana has not only become tutional reform, plays a key role in high-tech, innovative and efficient AIC operate independently, but to- actors, increased competition and and assistance in creating favour- the local administrative, cultural enhancing economic growth and platform, which provides services gether can offer a one-stop package broader access to financial servic- able conditions for establishing a and business centre, but managed further enabling integration into under international standards, in- for dispute resolution within AIFC. es. Therefore, the goal of AIFC is to leading international financial cen- to transform the economy of Ka- the global financial ecosystem. The creasing trading volume and reve- A party may want a full strategic embrace new technology and intro- tre. Members of the Council ratify zakhstan. This year, we are also AIFC launch features in the 100 nue, as well as expanding into new business unit to proceed with a more duce new instruments to local and celebrating Astana becoming a the AIFC Development Strategy, Concrete Steps programme aimed asset classes and revenue diversifi- traditional case management proce- regional markets. Flexible regula- recognised financial centre with which provides an international at reaching a sustainable and pros- cation in the long run dure in the International Court, but tion written from scratch to reflect the official launch of the AIFC. standard of legal and regulatory re- perous socio-economic future. In The Astana Financial Services can also choose to consult the AIC, the latest trends in financial markets The official launch ceremony gime that will be a catalyst for the an environment of low commodity Authority (AFSA) is the integrated which is a more common practice makes AIFC one of the most Fin- at the Astana Finance Days will prices and global uncertainties in development of the AIFC. regulator of all regulated activities, for business in international finan- Tech-friendly jurisdictions in the feature as the keynote event a foreign markets, the development The main executive body of the market activities, ancillary servic- cial centres. Alternatively, they may greater Eurasian region. AIFC has multi-day conference, which will of a world-class financial centre financial centre is the AIFC Author- es, companies and partnerships in opt for mediation, which is also a already launched FinTech regulato- gather heads of states and multi- is a timely and justified initiative ity, the project management office the AIFC. The AFSA’s approach, growing alternative to Court desig- ry sandbox and its own in-house ac- lateral institutions, international to achieve a new level of growth that has been scrupulously working consistent with the AIFC develop- nation and Arbitration. celeration programme at the AIFC policy makers and representatives through diversification and innova- to set everything in place. The main ment strategy, is to provide an in- Cost efficiency and timely man- FinTech hub leveraging on the tal- from private markets, financial ex- tion. activities of the AIFC Authority in- ternational standard of legal and agement will ensure that cases are ent available in the region. perts and heads of large multina- The AIFC model is promising clude, but are not limited to, devel- regulatory regime, which will be a administered and adjudicated as Being one of the founding mem- tional companies and experts from with its innovative and efficient opment of the overall development catalyst for the development of the quickly and appropriately as possi- bers of the Eurasian Economic academia and think tanks. At the platform, which provides services strategy, promotion of the AIFC in AIFC. ble. The decisions of the Court and Union, Kazakhstan has access to a AIFC, we believe in bringing to- under international standards in- global markets, attraction of poten- AFSA facilitates business by Arbitration Centre are supported by large and very attractive market rich gether the best experts to develop creasing trading volume and reve- tial participants to the AIFC and maintaining the safety and sound- a robust enforcement system within with natural resources and excellent local and regional markets and nue, as well as expanding into new recruitment of foreign experts with ness of the AIFC financial system Kazakhstan. human capital. AIFC serves as the promote better connectivity and asset classes and revenue diversifi- financial centre experience to the and ensuring that financial markets gateway to the region, allowing for- cooperation. cation in the long run. One of the AIFC management. in the AIFC are fair, efficient and eign companies to set up businesses Astana Finance Days will be- primary objectives of AIFC is to The core of the AIFC financial transparent, while promoting eco- International cooperation and operate in the regional market. come a historically significant event develop a liquid and well-balanced market is the Astana International nomic prosperity in a fair and trans- The main activities within the Lastly, AIFC serves as the ideal that will allow us to share our plans capital market with a broad range Exchange (AIX), which is set up parent manner and in compliance AIFC will come from our coopera- hub for financial services alongside and long-term vision and demon- of financial instruments. AIFC is as a regional platform to attract fi- with rules that treat investors and tion with regional and international the Belt and Road projects. While strate our credentials and compara- a one-of-a-kind platform in the nancial inflows within the frame- consumers equally. The AFSA reg- partners. Three dimensions that we Kazakhstan was identified as one tive advantages, as well as engage region, offering access to capital work of the Belt and Road Initia- istrar accepts applications and reg- have identified as workable tan- of three key partners for the BRI, global industry specialists in the and a wide range of financial ser- tive (BRI). The role of the AIX is isters AIFC participants and may gents of regional cooperation will Astana is becoming the key infra- most trending topics’ discussions. vices and investment tools. AIFC to enable domestic and regional de- also recognise non-AIFC members, be the close cooperation with our structure finance facilitating office will help to change the perception velopment through the mobilisation such as market infrastructures and neighbouring Central Asian states, for the Silk Road Economic Belt. The author is Governor of the of Kazakhstan by the global in- of domestic resources and foreign qualified market participants, to members of the Eurasian Economic AIFC is collaborating with key Astana International Financial vestment community with its in- portfolio flows. carry out their activities in the cen- Union and countries involved in the Chinese financial and regulatory Centre. This opinion was frastructure, adherence to the best The exchange encourages healthy tre without having to establish a BRI. institutions and is aiming at becom- originally published in Issue No. international practice, instruments competition between local and for- physical presence in the AIFC. Astana is now recognised as one ing an RMB off-shore centre in the 2 of the Diplomatic Herald of and an independent legal system. eign parties, with equal regulations Another unique AIFC structure of top ten financial centres in Cen- medium-term. Kazakhstan in June 2018. Right approach to attracting FDI will unlock country’s potential we have selected 15-20 companies We also involve independent labour force. Our specialists ac- What are the results of this ap- By Gleb Malykh that can participate in new invest- representatives. For example, Sch- company the project until the com- proach? ment projects. neider Group in Germany has been pletion of construction and launch Of the 197 foreign investment ASTANA – In the first four Our task is to attract investments accompanying German business in of the facility. projects worth $48.2 billion, 54 fa- months of 2018, the Kazakh Invest to all regions in Kazakhstan, not the Commonwealth of Independ- To increase our efficiency, we cilities worth $3.9 billion will be national company attracted 42 new just to Atyrau or Almaty, as the case ent States (CIS) for 20 years. We developed a CRM (customer re- put into operation before the end investors that will invest $7 billion is now. That is why we are looking made a contract with this company lationship management) system of the year. One project, a poultry in the nation’s projects due to new for competitive advantages in each and if it finds us an investor, it gets which includes three databases: farm, has already been commis- tools and approaches implemented of them. For example, in Kostanai a commission. We already have 12 potential investors, projects at the sioned; in the next six months, we by Kazakh Invest. Board chair Sa- oblast there is good potential for such partners around the world; we implementation stage and already- will put nine more into operation. parbek Tuyakbayev spoke about mechanical engineering with ac- have expanded our network and do operating businesses. As soon as Saparbek Tuyakbayev Construction has begun on 18 the methods, as well as missions cess to the Russian market. We in- not pay anything for it. Everything we conduct the first meeting with projects and by the end of the year, abroad and promising industries. tend to build an automobile factory is built on mutually beneficial co- the potential investor, the infor- construction will be launched on pects of the project. If you just jointly with Chinese partners. In operation. mation about him or her and the 63 facilities worth $6.8 billion. In tell them about tax breaks and free What are the tasks facing Ka- the East Kazakhstan region, Eura- Our ambassadors are very help- description of the project are in- four months, we have found 42 zakh Invest in 2018? economic zones, it will not work. sia AgroHolding is building a meat ful. They have the authority to di- cluded in the first database. Our We attracted consultants from investors who had never invested When we started working with processing plant in cooperation rectly meet with the management manager immediately starts work- in Kazakhstan before for projects the new team at the end of last the Big Four [group of consult- with an Australian company. of large companies and solve many ing with the project. At the stage of ing firms] and developed the first worth $7 billion. Since the begin- year, the first thing we did was issues on the ground. We provide project implementation, the infor- ning of the year, four new projects tackle the accumulated issues that 50 target projects with marketing How do you search for inves- them with information about pro- mation is transferred to the second research, profit calculations, data with the participation of transna- hindered investment attraction: tors for specific proposals? jects and all the analytical infor- database and, upon completion, to tional companies have reached the low efficiency, image-making is- on necessary resources and Ka- First, we opened representative mation. For instance, we recently the third. stage of implementation. Negotia- sues and distrust among investors, zakh partners ready to work with offices in China, France, Germa- received a call from the Ambassa- The system displays the tasks: tions are being held with transna- governmental bodies and regional investors. The expected volume of ny, Turkey and the United States. dor in the Emirates who said that find money or a partner, solve the tional companies on 11 new pro- authorities. At the same time, it is investments for all these projects is Our next three offices will be there is an agreement with one of land issue, prepare documents. All jects. impossible to carry out the third about $20 billion. launched in the United Arab Emir- the major sugar-producing com- the data is sent to the department We are now working on new stage of modernisation, diversify Now, you can find five to ten ates (UAE), the U.K. and again in panies. I sent our project manager that has to solve the task in a time- and digitise the economy and im- companies around the world in- the U.S., because they invest in there, we quickly found Kazakh ly manner. It can be an akimat, a specific initiatives; by the end of plement infrastructure projects terested in each of our projects. the whole world. Each representa- partners and then I flew for the ministry or other authorised body. the year, we want to develop 100 without private financing. Serious negotiations have already tive office hired experienced local negotiations. As a result, an agree- The list of tasks and those re- such projects and find an inves- Attracting investment is a prior- begun on 12 of them. entrepreneurs who have the neces- ment was reached on the imple- sponsible for their implementation tor for each of them. The plan is ity for Kazakhstan. It is compli- sary contacts and help establish re- mentation of a major project worth is seen by all participants of the to sign investment contracts worth cated by the fact that competition How are the projects selected? lations and start negotiations. half a billion dollars. process, thus total transparency is $10 billion in 2018. for direct investment is growing We divided the projects into We identified 11 priority coun- We want to mobilise Kazakh ensured. The investor can directly both in Central Asia and around several spheres. For example, on tries where we will work first. businesses, so that they too begin address any issue, even of a house- How much is invested in the the world. That is why we had to public-private partnership projects They are Britain, China, France, to actively look for investors. They keeping nature. Our call centre op- raw materials sector? act quickly. We started trying new in education, health, infrastructure, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, will not only bring money, but also erates 24/7. To date, two-thirds of foreign in- approaches and tools for finding housing and utilities, we consult South Korea, Turkey, the UAE new technologies and a new level Kazakh Invest joined the sys- vestment in Kazakhstan’s economy potential investors. with governmental bodies and re- and the U.S. Decisions were made of management. This will help our tem, several embassies and aki- is accounted for by the commodity gions to find promising directions. based on which sectors these coun- producers enter the export mar- mats will be added in May and by sector. The investment strategy is What are these approaches? Strategic system-forming pro- tries invest in. kets. the end of the year all structures expected to bring to a 25-26 per- First, we concentrated on find- jects in the petrochemical industry, Twenty-seven more countries involved will be included. Today, cent growth in investments in five ing investors for specific projects. for example, are discussed with are on a promising list for search- When an investor chooses a it contains information on 197 years compared to 2016, with the Transnational companies and large national companies, because we ing for investment. Among them project and comes to Kazakhstan, foreign and 181 domestic inves- manufacturing sector investment funds look for investment oppor- need their support in the imple- are Austria, Australia, Canada, the what support does he get? tors. After all, if a Kazakh inves- growing up to 50 percent. tunities around the world, but they mentation. We attract large and Czech Republic, India, Indonesia, We have a whole range of ser- tor builds a large factory, he or she take into account the favourable medium-sized businesses to com- Poland, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, vices for investors: providing a needs the same assistance as the The full version of the interview investment climate and the pros- mercial projects. In each region, Spain and Switzerland. site, obtaining licenses, attracting foreign one. is available online. A8 EURASIA&WORLD

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018

students. In the area of education cooperation. It was a German ini- exchange and language, a number tiative to adopt an EU Strategy for of German institutions are active, Central Asia in 2007 and we have Kazakhstan’s importance as global including Goethe Institute, DAAD always been favouring regional or our Centre for German schools cooperation,” noted Mafael. abroad, ZfA. They are supporting One of the examples of German 16 partner schools here in Kazakh- efforts in facilitating regional co- player is growing, says German envoy stan,” said the German ambassador, operation is the so-called Berlin highlighting a “very big step for- working in Kazakhstan include stressing a growing number of part- Water Process, which has been By Assel Satubaldina ward” in Kazakh-EU relations. Knauf, Heidelberg Cement, Мetro, nerships between Kazakh and Ger- launched in 2008 and supports At the same time, Kazakhstan’s Linde, Siemens, BASF or Funke. man universities in recent years. trans-boundary water management ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s non- membership in the Eurasian Eco- “As for German imports from Aside from the embassy, ten in Central Asia. permanent membership on the nomic Union also affects the bilat- Kazakhstan, 90 percent are oil, and German organisations are present “Since 2008, we have been United Nations Security Council, eral ties. Kazakhstan is now the fourth most in Kazakhstan, including Konrad working together with Central its hosting of the Astana Process The German envoy noted the important oil supplier for Ger- Adenauer Foundation, Friedrich Asia on capacity building, promot- Syrian peace talks and contribu- two factors contributing to the many. If you look at the imports to Ebert Foundation and GIZ. ing institutions and dialogue con- tions to negotiations on the Iranian strengthening of the Kazakh-Ger- Kazakhstan, most important area is “Germany has a broad-based cerning water management in the nuclear deal have increased Ka- man partnership, including the machinery. Sometimes I am visit- presence and a very broad inter- region, and Kazakhstan is a key zakhstan’s international influence, “growing importance of Kazakh- ing companies that at first sight do est in building our relations with partner in this effort,” said Mafael. German Ambassador to Kazakh- stan as a political player in the not have any relationship with Ger- Kazakhstan. One of our main ob- “We should not forget the OECD, stan Rolf Mafael told The Astana international arena and increasing many and then find out, that most jectives is to support the reform by the way. Germany is very happy Times in a recent interview. role of Kazakhstan as a transpor- of their production machinery is policy of President Nazarbayev with the stringent efforts of the Ka- The Central Asian nation’s tation and infrastructure hub in ‘made in Germny’,” said Mafael. and the country`s aspirations for zakh government to move closer to German Ambassador Rolf Mafael growing relevance as a political Eurasia.” Construction, pharmaceuticals modern democracy and modern OECD, to look at OECD standards player is among the key factors Last year’s expo and Steinmei- and industrial goods as well as state of law,” he said. To that end, and include them in national legis- contributing to the strengthening of emotional affection and affinity er’s visit to Astana heightened the supplies to the oil and gas industry Germany is actively assisting Ka- lation and practice and we are sup- of bilateral ties between Kazakh- between our two countries, which awareness of people in Germany remain important areas of coop- zakhstan in reforming its juridical porting Kazakhstan very much in stan and Germany. I can feel here very often. As the of Kazakhstan. eration, yet Mafael expressed con- and judiciary system. these efforts,” he added. “The relations and ties between speaker of the Mazhilis Foreign “The expo and the visit of our fidence in the agriculture sector’s Items on the international agen- Speaking of his personal experi- Kazakhstan and Germany are very Affairs Committee Mukhtar Yer- president to Astana last year have potential “to become a much more da that are of high priority for ence in Kazakhstan, for Mafael, close. We have a very multifaceted man recently said to me, to some very much increased attention for important area of cooperation and both countries encompass such whose previous career largely fo- partnership, including an excellent extent we are still neighbours at Kazakhstan in Germany. This be- investment.” issues as prevention of terrorism, cused on Europe and East Asia, it political dialogue, and flourishing heart. I think this is a very interest- comes obvious if you look at the Digitisation and modern produc- non-proliferation of weapons of “turned out a very positive surprise.” economic relations. President Nur- ing picture of our relations,” said fact that there were 30,000 visitors tion techniques – in what is known mass destruction, stabilisation in “Since having arrived here, I sultan Nazarbayev, German Presi- Mafael. to the expo from Germany, which as Industry 4.0 – and diversifica- Afghanistan and promotion of re- feel very much welcome in this dent Frank-Walter Steinmeier and The multidimensional nature of means it was the third biggest tion of economy are among key gional cooperation in Central Asia. country. We were surprised by Chancellor Angela Merkel devel- Kazakh-German relations must group of visitors after Russia and areas of cooperation between the “We prepared together one in- Astana as a very modern and inter- oped a long-standing relationship also be put in the context of the China. We had many more delega- countries. formal meeting concerning Af- esting city and by the warmness of over more than a decade,” noted Kazakhstan-EU partnership. tions from government and econo- The priority now, the German ghanistan (at the UNSC). If you people that we met both here and Mafael. “If you think of Germany and my than in recent years,” he noted. ambassador noted, is to maintain look at the OSCE, we have been when travelling throughout the The two countries have a special Kazakhstan, you have to think at Last year, the trade turnover these positive developments in trade working very closely together on country,” he explained. bond, he said, as “one percent of the same time of the relations be- showed a 25 percent increase com- and investments as well as in educa- the issue of connectivity and Ka- A father of five sons, he added Kazakhstan’ s population are eth- tween Kazakhstan and the EU, pared to the previous year reach- tion and science, which are areas of zakhstan has very strongly sup- that the importance of family in nic Germans and one percent of since Germany is an important ing $5.9 billion. Germany remains significant importance for Germany. ported the German chairmanship Kazakhstan and the warm and the German population are people member of the EU. The pro- a key investor in Kazakhstan in the “The most important project in in 2016 in promoting this issue in friendly way in which parents that were born or grew up in Ka- grammes of the EU are at the same non-gas and oil sector with nearly terms of science and education the OSCE. In Central Asia, Ger- treat their children and vice versa zakhstan.” time programmes that we see as 900 joint ventures operating in the is German-Kazakh University in many is strongly supporting Ka- makes him feel very positive about “In that sense, there is also a kind our own programmes,” he said, country. Major German companies Almaty, which has around 600 zakh efforts to increase regional the country as well. Cambridge University, EU ambassadors, Kazakh British Council to support youth talk cooperation, translating literary works regional issues in cafe chat two-volume anthology, which will to the project and proposed struc- overwhelming approval in Decem- By Yerbolat Uatkhanov be translated into Arabic, Chi- ture of the anthology. The ven- ber 2017. nese, English, French, Russian and ture creates great opportunities “As the name shows, it is not only ASTANA – An anthology of Spanish. for broad interaction of Kazakh wider but deeper cooperation. Kyr- modern Kazakh literature will be The project is part of the pro- authors with foreign colleagues, gyzstan and Uzbekistan are trying to translated into the six official UN gramme initiated by President international literary agents and sign similar agreements with the EU. Nursultan Nazarbayev in April experts, said Balayeva. It will ex- I think if you are looking into the fu- “The venture creates 2017 to introduce modern Ka- pand the world’s access to Kazakh ture, I am quite sure Kazakhstan will zakh culture to the worldwide works and integrate them into the play not only an even more impor- great opportunities for community. The working group global literary process. tant role in this region, but in a wider is led by Aida Balayeva, head The anthology will be available region, promoting such issues as Af- broad interaction of of the Presidential administra- in print, electronic and audio for- ghanistan, for example,” he said. Kazakh authors with tion’s internal policy department, mats, with placement on popular The European diplomat noted who is responsible for discussion online platforms. that youth in Kazakhstan and Eu- foreign colleagues, and cooperation with the literary Cambridge University is a col- rope are very similar. community. legiate public research university “My general impression is that international literary Balayeva noted the most im- in the U.K. Established in 1209, Kazakh youngsters are very simi- portant aspects of the anthology it is the second-oldest university agents and experts.” Kipyat.com Photo credit: lar to the youngsters in Europe. are quality translation and wide, in the English-speaking world and This is the generation which is re- international distribution. Cam- the fourth-oldest surviving univer- This year is special, he said, as ally global, and I think they are not languages and published by Cam- bridge and the British Council sity. Cambridge is composed of a By Assel Satubaldina the EU and Kazakhstan are cel- only listening to the same music, bridge University with the support are partnering with the English number of institutions, including ebrating 25 years of diplomatic but they have same perspective of the British Council. The initia- portion of the project to organ- 31 colleges and more than 100 ASTANA – The European Un- relations. and same approach,” he noted. tive is financed under the Ruhani ise the translation, distribution academic departments. ion delegation to Kazakhstan “I was myself talking about the For Kazakh National Law Univer- Zhanghyru (Modernisation of Ka- and promotion of the publica- The British Council is involved hosted another Ambassadors’ Cafe EU-Kazakh relationship and for sity sophomore Raimbek Tuleshev, zakhstan’s Identity) programme. tions and similar collaborators in international cultural and educa- gathering June 5, drawing Europe- other ambassadors it was up to the good command of the Russian Famous Kazakh writers, poets will be sought for the other lan- tional opportunities in more than an ambassadors and Kazakh young them to decide what they would and Kazakh languages among the and critics met in the House of guages. 100 countries, aiming to promote people for an informal discussion like to talk about. The issues are ambassadors was a surprise. Friendship in Almaty to discuss The Kazakh literary community wider knowledge of the U.K. and at a local café. The event is part ranging from economic, social to “I liked it [the event] very much. the structure and content of the fully supported both the approach English language. of the Day of Europe celebrations political,” he added. I am happy that many ambassadors that started May 31 in Astana. The topics are “just a frame- know Russian language and some Europe Day is celebrated May 9 work.” even know Kazakh. I think it is very every year worldwide and marks “They have the liberty here to good in the future for specialists and the anniversary of the 1950 Schu- talk about anything they would students to learn the news first hand. man Declaration that pooled the like to and from my experience I The impression is very good. I did not Kazakh-British Investment French and West German coal think that the discussion is very expect that they knew Russian or Ka- and steel industries, leading to much determined by concrete zakh, and could discuss and answer the creation of the European Coal questions, so it is not a monologue, tricky questions,” Tuleshev said. and Steel Community, which later but a dialogue, where people are “We talked to the EU ambas- Forum slated for October grew into the European Union. asking each other different ques- sador and discussed Brexit, Eu- Thirteen EU ambassadors and tions,” noted Szalai. The U.K., one of the largest in- ropean tolerance, problems in EU more than 45 students from local He stressed the strategic partnership Staff Report vestors in Kazakhstan, invested and Kazakhstan cooperation and The U.K., one of universities discussed a wide range between the EU and Kazakhstan and more than $25 billion in the coun- what prevents European investors of issues at this week’s gathering, their “unique agreement,” referring ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the the largest investors try’s economy over the years of its from coming to Kazakhstan,” the including the partnership between to the Enhanced Partnership and Co- U.K. will hold the Kazakh-British independence. student reported. The European the EU and Kazakhstan, agricul- operation Agreement signed in 2015 Investment Forum in London in in Kazakhstan, London will also host the Ka- Union, as a whole, is the largest ture, the rule of law, education expanding cooperation and dialogue October, Kazakh Ambassador to zakh-British Business Council in foreign investor in Kazakhstan and invested more than and migration, and regional issues, across some 29 key policy areas. the United Kingdom Erlan Idriss- October. the largest trading partner for the among other topics. Kazakhstan was the first Central ov announced recently. $25 billion in the The Astana International Finan- country, accounting for approxi- EU Delegation to Kazakhstan Asian nation with which the EU “The entire year we have been cial Centre, with its upcoming in- mately half of both foreign direct signed a new generation agree- witnessing a growing interest to country’s economy ternational presentation scheduled Charge d’Affaires Zoltan Szalai not- investment and foreign trade turn- ment. It has been provisionally in us from the British businesses. We over the years of its for July 5, will also organise the ed that this is the third year the Am- over of the Central Asian nation. are planning to organise a large in- AIFC road show presenting its op- bassadors’ Cafe has convened. “We force since May 2016 after it had Europe Day celebrations will vestment forum October 2 in Lon- independence. portunities to the British investors. like it, because as you can see it is been ratified by Kazakhstan and continue in Astana with an exhibi- don,” said Idrissov. The Kazakh ambassador also a very unofficial format, to sit down approved by the European Com- tion at the Kazakh National Mu- British business community, he “They are willing to receive informed on Kazakhstan’s plans with the young people, and it gives mission. For its full entry into force seum featuring European and Ka- noted, welcomes the economic more information to learn about to start negotiations with the U.K. us an opportunity to talk directly to the ratification by all EU member zakh clothing opening June 12 and reforms in Kazakhstan that open who can become their partners to to simplify the visa regime for Ka- the youngsters and young interested states and the consent of the Eu- runing through June 22. up new opportunities for compa- set up contacts and build partner- zakhstan citizens. Currently, U.K. people to talk directly to the ambas- ropean Parliament are needed. So The EU delegation will also nies and investors, including the ships in such areas as agriculture, citizens are eligible to remain in sadors of the European Union mem- far, 23 out of 28 EU member states organise a European film festival country’s large-scale privatisation military and defence, oil produc- Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 ber states. It is a wonderful thing,” have ratified the document, with June 8 to 10 in Almaty and June 15 programme. tion,” he added. days. Szalai told The Astana Times. the European Parliament giving its to 17 in Uralsk. B Nation&Capital

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018

PEOPLE CULTURE SPORTS Karaganda resident creates Exhibition showcases international International championship-winning exoskeleton to help individuals artists’ depictions of Astana coach from Ukraine takes reins at with physical challenges B2 B3 FC Astana B7 International arts and culture journalists Paper nomads: tour Kazakh attractions Almaty residents warm to book crossing the Chekhov Library. People take By Dana Omirgazy books, but, unfortunately, some- times do not bring them. Neverthe- ASTANA – Book crossing, a less, the book crossing subculture social movement aimed at the is continuing. During the move- mass distribution and exchange of ment, several tens of thousands books, is gaining popularity in Al- of books were distributed,” Vice maty. All it takes to join the move- President of the Eurasian Fran- ment is a book and a public space: chise Association Beknur Kisikov book lovers bring books to public said. places and leave them so they can Today, Almaty has five book- be picked up and read by others. stores. There are constantly operat- The idea is to create a small cache ing sites, spontaneous and eventu- of books for people to pick up, take al ones. Basically, these are library home, enjoy and return – to that funds. Almaty residents also bring place or another one. unnecessary books. In Almaty, book crossing began “After the first literature meet- developing in 2011, kapital.kz ing, residents began organising wrote. Every year, the city holds more book events. We encounter book exchange events, where more books by Kazakh authors on like-minded people discuss what the shelves and hear about numer- they’re reading or look for rare ous literature sites. Today, many copies of books. cafes and restaurants try to hold “We began to implement the idea events dedicated to books,” Kisik- of ​​book crossing at the first Toika- ov added. zan Festival and Kitapfest. Today, The book crossing method of book crossing has become quite sharing literature not only helps common. Both city authorities and maintain interest in reading paper libraries practice it. There are per- books, but also helps unwanted manent bookshelves for exchange books find new homes. near the National Library and near Continued on Page B5

pavilion, the National Museum visit to the Kasteyev State Mu- “Thank you for the opportu- One of 100 New By Aigerim Seisembayeva of Kazakhstan, the Khazret Sul- seum of Arts and a presentation nity to visit the unique places of tan mosque and attended the pre- of the elements of Kazakhstan’s Mangistau and to see the amaz- ASTANA – Fifteen interna- miere of the “Le Corsaire” ballet intangible cultural heritage, in- ing monuments of architecture tional journalists toured Astana at the Astana Opera Theatre. The cluding those listed by the United with our own eyes. I would like Faces focuses on and Almaty city as well as the Al- Nations Educational, Scientific to note the special hospitality and maty and Mangistau regions May British reporter and Cultural Organisation (UNE- kindness of the local people. We 24-31, the Kazakh Foreign Minis- SCO). They also visited the Mul- all agree that we have never seen try’s press service reports. Mariola Fiedorczuk timedia Centre of Traditional Mu- such hospitality anywhere else as women’s rights The group included arts and sic, the Qazaq-Oner artisan centre in Mangistau. I can also note that issues of domestic violence, hu- culture journalists and bloggers noted similarities and other venues. usually foreign tourists, especially By Zhanna Shayakhmetova man rights and the environment in from China, Egypt, France, Italy, between local burial The journalists also toured those from Europe, are primarily the Atyrau region. They welcome Spain, the United Kingdom and the Mangistau region’s main interested in the culture, traditions ASTANA – An accountant by like-minded individuals to partici- the United States. The Kazakh places and burials sights, including the underground and special internal world of the occupation, the true calling of As- pate in their projects as volunteers Foreign Ministry organised the mosques of Beket ata and Shopan country. And we found all this and semgul Urazayeva, one of the Ka- and to join the association. trip as part of the national Ruhani in China and Japan ata, as well as Sherkala Mountain saw it in your region. And I wish zakhstan’s 100 New Faces, is in “We launched the project on Janghyru (Modernisation of Ka- and compared and the ethnoaul (ethno-village). you to preserve all this in order charity and the social sphere. She domestic and family violence zakhstan’s Identity) programme. British reporter Mariola Fie- to show the international tourist promotes family values and impor- according to the memorandum Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat early burials in the dorczuk noted similarities be- the entire identity of the Kazakh tance of family as a basic unit of with the Office of the Prosecu- Abdrakhmanov thanked the necropolis of Shopan tween local burial places and people,” said journalist Isabelle society. tor General. We organise infor- journalists for their interest and burials in China and Japan and Morand from France. As a head of the International mation campaigns on promoting briefed them on the programme, ata with graves in compared early burials in the Regional Akim (Governor) Association of Women in Central family values nationwide. We including efforts to promote mod- necropolis of Shopan ata with Yeraly Tugzhanov met with the Asia, Urazayeva is a well-known advocate family unity and the ern Kazakh culture abroad. Slovenia. graves in Slovenia, the press ser- journalists and answered ques- women’s rights advocate in the re- harmonious development of a Minister of Culture and Sports vice of the regional akimat (gov- tions about the region’s social gion. child,” she said. Arystanbek Mukhamediuly also visited the Kazmedia Centre, ernor’s office) reports. Journalist and economic development, “Our project has been operat- Programmes with psychologists briefed them on cultural develop- where they met with colleagues from China Chen Rui also noted foreign investors and their pro- ing for more than two years. We were also launched on the Khabar ments, including in Kazakhstan’s from Kazakh media outlets and commonalities between the spir- jects in Mangistau, small and organised various events. The as- TV Channel and Qazaqstan Atyrau film industry. learned about the Digital Kazakh- itual heritage of the Zoroastrians medium business development sociation’s main goal is to protect local channel. In Astana, the journalists vis- stan programme. and the traditions of her Buddhist and about the people living in the rights and health of women and “Our target audience is rural resi- ited Kazakhstan’s EXPO 2017 The trip to Almaty included a ancestors. Kazakhstan. children. Women entrepreneurship dents who do not have the opportunity is an upward trend. But little at- to attend paid trainings and seminars. tention is paid to the protection of This is education through TV chan- women’s rights and interests,” she nels,” she said. said. Archbishop of Astana: Kazakhstan supports The organisation also monitors Continued on Page B2 peace and harmony at home and abroad THINGS TO WATCH & “In 2017, the entire Catholic At present, there are approxi- PLACES TO GO By Dana Omirgazy Church celebrated the 100th an- mately 130,000 Catholics, includ- NATIONAL MUSEUM niversary of the apparitions of the ing several thousand Eastern Rite ASTANA – The Congress of Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal. Catholics in the country. During June 6 – Sept.10 Masterpieces from collection Leaders of World and Traditional In Kazakhstan, the central cel- Kazakhstan’s years of independ- of State Tretyakov Gallery Religions points the whole world ebrations took place in Karaganda, ence and religious freedom, sacred toward Kazakhstan’s path of where the Cathedral of the Blessed facilities began to appear, and to- peace-building, archbishop of the Virgin Mary of Fatima, Mother day, Catholic parishes are located ASTANA CONGRESS HALL Metropolitan Archdiocese of Saint of all Nations is located. Also in all regions of the vast nation. June 15 at 7.30 p.m. Yevgeny Brusilovsky, concert Mary in Astana and president of in 2017, the Catholic Church of Catholic communities have be- Bishops’ Conference of Kazakh- the Mother of God, Queen of the come more multinational. Catho- stan told the Astana Times. World in the village of Ozernoe lics love their homeland and try ASTANA OPERA “First of all, we should con- [in the North Kazakhstan region] to serve its prosperity with prayer June 17 at 1 p.m. Concert of Richard Galliano: gratulate our President, Nursultan Tomasz Peta was included in the sacral map of and work, Peta said. Nazarbayev, on this noble idea. Kazakhstan. Ozernoe is a place of Celebration of Music “Almost every day brings us The congress of religious leaders in Kazakhstan. All of them have pilgrimage. People from both near alarming messages from different June 17 at 6 p.m. To The Music of Vivaldi, concert is a platform for acquaintance and passed the procedure of re-regis- and far abroad visit it. There, the parts of the planet. Believers know rapprochement of traditional reli- tration and are among the 18 de- famous ‘Star Kazakhstan’ altar of June 22-23 at 7 p.m.-6 p.m. Turandot, opera gions,” Tomasz Peta said. The next nominations officially registered worship is located,” the archbish- that everything is in the hands of such congress is scheduled for Oc- in Kazakhstan. op said. God’s providence. The task of all ASTANA BALLET tober 10-11. The Catholic Church, having In every Catholic parish, there of us is the building of peace and Traditionally, the Vatican car- historical roots in Kazakhstan, has are groups of young people who harmony in everyday life, in our June 23-24 at 6 p.m. Giselle, ballet families, collectives and in the dinal heads the delegation of the become an important institution unite around Jesus, trying to build June 26 at 7.30 p.m. Pastoral symphony, Catholic Church at the congress, for preserving spirituality, moral their lives on the values of the whole society. An important mat- addressing the event participants values and cultural identity in so- Gospel. ter in building peace and harmony Five tango, ballet on behalf of the Pope. But of ciety. “A very important event is the is prayer. For example, since 2002, June 27 at 7.30 p.m. Romeo and Juliet, ballet course, local Catholic clergy also Today, the Roman Catholic annual meeting of the Catholic a 24-hour prayer for Kazakhstan try to participate in this important Church is viewed as a reliable youth of Kazakhstan, which takes and the whole world has taken event, noted Peta. partner of the state in solving the place in the National Sanctuary in place in the Cathedral in Astana ASTANA ARENA At present, there are 80 Roman most important social and educa- Ozernoe, August 13 to 17,” added (after the visit of Pope John Paul June 17 at 5 p.m. FC Astana – FC Irtysh Catholic religious associations tional tasks. Peta. II),” he added. B2 NATION&CAPITAL PEOPLE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018 Karaganda resident creates Police officer, father exoskeleton to help individuals of 11 among 100 New Faces with physical challenges ing implies kinesiotherapy, which By Dana Omirgazy helps return physical abilities to patients,” said Litvinov. ASTANA – Novice Karaganda He was able to acquire all the inventor Vyacheslav Litvinov has needed raw materials in Kazakh- produced portable rehabilitation stan to fashion the exoskeletons. exoskeletons intended for indi- “Basically, all components were viduals with locomotor apparatus bought in a construction shop and damage and those who have lost electronics store. For the design the ability to move independently, of the exoskeletons, I purchased according to kapital.kz. boards, servo drives and alumin- An exoskeleton is a special ium plates (stiffeners). I printed wearable device that restores lost kapital.kz Photo credit: stiffeners on a Russian 3D print- Vyacheslav Litvinov functions, strengthening human er,” he added. muscles and expanding the ampli- Litvinov intends to establish tude of a person’s movements. but only if a person still has inter- large-scale production, noting for- “The exoskeleton repeats human nal muscular power to move with eign exoskeleton analogues are biomechanics for a proportional the help of an exoskeleton. Later, I several times more expensive than increase in effort during move- began to develop an active, robotic his models. ments. There are several types of exoskeleton. This model is de- “The first development of pas- such devices; for example, passive signed for people with a paralyzed sive exoskeletons cost 30,000 100esim.el.kz. Photo credit: and active exoskeletons. Initially, part of their body, for example, tenge (US$91). Gradually, the while the other is keen on boxing. completely to the family,” he said. I managed to develop an exoskel- limbs. All models of exoskeletons quality and cost of exoskele- By Meruyert Abugaliyeva One of my sons wants to follow in The couple is raising six sons eton of a passive type. It helps a help a person not only move, but tons increased. For example, the my footsteps and be a police of- and five daughters. The family is person after a stroke, for example, also receive treatment. It has long cost of my active exoskeleton is ASTANA – Galym Arystan- ficer,” he said. truly international, as the children to get a chance to stand and walk, been proven that locomotion train- 240,000 tenge (US$728). Foreign bayev, a 40-year-old senior ser- The couple had three sons and represent different ethnic groups. geant in the Zhambyl region police always dreamed of a daughter. “We have Azerbaijani, Chinese, “The exoskeleton department, is the father of 11 chil- “At that time, my wife came up Uzbek, Romanian, Uyghur and dren who believes in the impor- with the idea of adopting a baby Russian children. Our youngest repeats human tance of unity within a family. He girl. I was not against it, so we daughter is Tatar. Our children and his wife, Aliya, have adopted went to the orphanage and found are all different; however, they all biomechanics for a eight children from local orphan- our daughter. It occurred that she speak one language, Kazakh,” he proportional increase ages. also had a little sister, brother and noted. Arystanbayev is one of 102 fi- a friend. For a couple of weeks, we In 2017, the Arystanbayevs were in effort during nalists in Kazakhstan’s 100 New took them home for weekends and awarded first place in the Mereili Faces project, which showcases after several months decided to Otbasy (Happy Family) regional movements. There are their exemplary personalities and adopt five children,” he added. contest. several types of such spreads their success stories. The Arystanbayevs adopted “I dream of my children growing “Upbringing starts at home; three more youngsters last year. up as decent citizens of our coun- devices; for example, therefore, we make every effort to “My wife, Aliya, who previous- try,” he said. bring our children up properly. We ly worked as a teacher, is mainly Arystanbayev does not want to passive and active want to motivate them to follow responsible for the upbringing and limit the number of youngsters to exoskeletons. Initially, their passions. One of our children care of the children. She decided 11, however, and he and Aliya plan I managed to develop dreams of becoming a teacher, to quit her job and devote herself to adopt more children. an exoskeleton of a passive type. It helps a person after a stroke, One of 100 New Faces for example, to get a chance to stand and walk.” focuses on women’s rights Continued from Page B1 ecutor’s Office. The working group analogues of passive exoskeletons was created to provide wheelchair cost 120,000 rubbles (US$1,938); At the age of 22, Urazayeva also access for barrier-free movement in active ones, approximately $9,000. founded the USC Travel Company. the city. Now more than half of the My third exoskeleton, the most in- “We help companies that enter ramps have already been replaced,” novative, cost one million tenge the local market to adapt to the she said. (US$3,036). Given the prices for business environment. We offer the The association cooperates with exoskeletons abroad, I would like registration of work permits and related organisations in Central to arrange their production in Ka- registration of foreign citizens. We Asia and has representatives in zakhstan at affordable prices,” he offer air tickets, hotel reservation Astana and Almaty. said. in the country with discounts, and “We monitored rehabilitation To date, Litvinov has sold nine accommodation in apartments. This centres and mothers’ homes. The exoskeletons. The individuals for sphere used to be a priority for me statistics on domestic violence are whom he created devices positive- in the past five years, but now I’m relatively high. It is difficult for ly evaluate his work. focusing more on social activities,” children to endure family disa- she said. greements. In some families, it is “My first passive exoskeleton In 2013, Urazayeva became the a standard situation that a woman was approved by a woman from Deputy Chair of the First Anti-Cor- must endure violence for the sake Pavlodar who suffered a stroke. ruption Media Centre. As a mem- Assemgul Urazayeva of children. Almost every third She had a post-stroke state; she ber of the Association of Psycholo- experts on personal development family encounters this. Children are could not walk, but after seven gists of Kazakhstan, she created and family relations. the most sensitive and they under- months of wearing an exoskeleton, the Academy of Success providing “Last year, we conducted a stand everything that happens. It is the woman was able to move inde- consulting services, trainings with project to support the physically necessary to develop the institution

Photo credit: kapital.kz Photo credit: pendently,” he added. the participation of international challenged with the regional Pros- of the family,” she said. B3 NATION&CAPITAL CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018 Exhibition showcases international Astana Opera presented artists’ depictions of Astana music of love

By Assel Satubaldina By Yerbolat Uatkhanov

ASTANA – The Nur Kelbetti ASTANA – Astana Opera, one Festival unveiled an exhibition June of the most important cultural enti- 12 at Kazakhstan’s National Muse- ties in the Kazakh capital, joined um featuring paintings of Astana’s the city’s 20th anniversary cel- landscapes and sights from differ- ebration June 10 with remarkable ent angles. The exhibition will run young artists performing classical through June 30. works about love. Twenty artists from around the “At all times, love inspired au- world were tasked with painting thors to create masterpieces in all their visions of Astana within four forms of art. Each composer de- days after touring the city and its voted more than one work to this sights. glorious feeling. Singing about The participants included 13 art- love is a special thrill for the young ists from Belarus, Brazil, Croatia, when there was bad weather. It was pleasantly surprised by the people soloists. This evening, we will try Japan, India, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Rus- very nice to go outside on the street, in Kazakhstan. to convey to the audience all the sia, South Korea, the Netherlands, paint and see people of Astana,” “Even when we went out some- richness of emotions, heartfelt the U.K., the United States, Turkey said Voyiazoglou told The Astana where, everywhere people are very warmth and depth of feelings ex- as well as seven Kazakh artists. Times. Voyiazoglou was born in pleasant, friendly, modest, with a pressed in music,” said pianist Ye- The 13 foreign artists were cho- Greece but lives in the Netherlands. pride inside, but modesty outside. lena Sakhno in an interview with sen from 250 applicants. “People were all very positive. Sunny country and sunny people,” The Astana Times. Festival organiser Sultan Srailov They were all very interested in he said. Astana Opera soloists and in- said the participation of foreign art- what I was doing. It was very nice In his attempt to learn more about ternational competition laureates ists in the festival broadens the im- to see how people react,” he added. the country, he visited the National Ramzat Balakishiyev, Malika Museum first. age of the city. Several artists chosen had never Minisini, Shyngys Rassylkhan, “I was born in the Soviet Union “They will take their sketches been to Kazakhstan. One of them is Nazym Sagintai and Yerzhan myself and I have heard about Ka- with them and will be working on Artem Mirolevich, an award-win- Saipov, as well as Sakhno who zakhstan but did not know its histo- them at home, presenting them at ning New York contemporary art- also acts as a pianist for the Mad- ry and culture that deeply, as I have their personal exhibitions through- ist, curator and founder of the New eniyet Kairatkeri group, performed never been here before. Therefore, I out the world. The artists could look York-based Russian Art Pavilion popular works on the tender feel- asked my curators where there is a at our city from a different perspec- established to promote artists from ing. The concert, When the Heart history museum,” noted Mirolevich. tive and depict local nature, archi- Russia, Eastern Europe, the Cauca- Sings with Love, was performed in tecture, cultural and historic sights sus and Baltic region in internation- What he liked about Astana is fu- turistic buildings of diverse forms the opera house’s Chamber Hall. in their paintings,” Srailov told a al exhibitions. Astana Opera Photo credit: and greenery rapidly growing The programme featured Ka- press conference. Born in Minsk, he moved to the zakh, Russian and Western Euro- Yelena Sakhno The distinct feature of the exhibi- United States at the age of 17. across the city. “When I travel, I love old build- pean masterpieces. The concert in- tion is the diversity of how artists “I travel often to take part in such cluded everyone’s favourite songs folk song “Ah, Ty, Dushechka” di Siviglia” by Gioacchino Ross- see Astana. events. Currently, I am a curator at ings and cities or such architecture (Oh, you, darling), “Somneniye” ini, Confusa Smarrita’a aria from of the future (as in Astana). I love and romances such as Kazakh folk The goal of the festival, noted the the Barcelona art residence, where song “Ahau Kerim,” “Iz travy ya (Doubt) by Mikhail Glinka, “Sred’ Giovanni Pergolesi’s “Catone,” organisers, is to use art to familiar- several years ago I invited a cou- the city visually and I like the big Shumnogo Bala” (Amid the din of Irene’s aria from “Bajazet” by space here. There is much greenery vzletela” (I flew out of the grass) ise visitors with the Kazakh capital, ple. Both were artists and the young by Gaziza Zhubanova, “Kara- the ball) by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Antonio Vivaldi, Barcarola from its history and development, cultur- woman was from Kazakhstan. She and parks. The city is comfortable “O, esli b mog vyrazit v zvuke” Jacques Offenbach’s “Les con- for people and at the same time it is torgai” (Akan Seri), “Aksisa” al sights and people. learnt about this event and sent me (Oh, if I could express it in the tes d’Hoffmann,” Lensky’s ari- very compact,” he said. (Zhaiau Musa), “Torna a Surrien- There were no restrictions as to the information,” he said. sound) by Leonid Malashkin. oso from Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Visiting nearly 50 countries to” (Ernesto de Curtis), “Chanson how many paintings could be cre- “During the first two days we The artists presented arias and Onegin” and Gryaznoy’s aria worldwide, Mirolevich said Astana de L’Adieu” (Francesco Tosti), ated. were touring the city. Then we were “Mamma, son tanto felice” (Ce- duets from the world’s opera rep- from Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Dimitris Voyiazoglou from the provided with materials and work is a “city of future.” In his two paintings for the ex- sare Bixio), “Vergin, tutto amor” ertoire – Rosina’s, Berta’s and “Tsarskaya Nevesta” (The Tsar’s Netherlands produced nine paint- space at the Youth Centre or plein (Francesco Durante), Russian Basilio’s arias from “Il barbiere Bride). ings during his stay in Astana and air (going outside to draw) depend- hibition, future, present and past four of them are displayed at the ing on what the artist wished,” he resonate with each other in a “con- exhibition. said commending the level of the ceptually philosophical” style with “I am a street painter. I went out- organisation. “elements of surrealism.” side to paint, except for one day, Similar to Voyiazoglou, he was One painting depicts Astana’s fa- mous 97-metre Baiterek Tower and another is a portrait of a young Ka- zakh lady embodying “the real na- ture of the nation, city and its soul.” “I liked the legend about Baiterek and Samruk (ancient bird). What I painted is not very real but with evi- dent elements of architecture and, in the middle, I drew the real Baiterek, enormous tree rising over the city with other buildings seeming to be very tiny,” he explained. He tried to reflect the different an- gles of the legend and realities into his painting, said Mirolevich. As part of their visit to Astana, the artists also conducted work- shops for art teachers, students and schoolchildren. OTOSOTR: WWII monodrama to be staged in UK and US the 17-year-old Soviet soldier, who “The festival was organised as an By Dana Omirgazy fought Nazis in Berlin in 1945, attempt to get over the terror of war survived the Communist regime and to celebrate peace with theatre ASTANA – OTOSOTR (On the in 1991 and preserved his Korean and performance art. OTOSOTR Other Side of the River), directed identity throughout his life. was accepted to be part of the pro- by Tatyana Kim and performed by “This work started as a pure de- gramme curated by Underbelly, one Kazakh actor Anatoliy Ogay, has sire to pay respect to the memory of the biggest venues at the fringe. been included in the official pro- and bravery of my grandfather. We are doing a full run, which is gramme of the Edinburgh Festival However, during the process of 27 performances with one day off Fringe, the world’s largest theatre creation, as an artist I began asking in the middle. This is going to be festival, in August and the main myself questions about why I am the first time a play from modern programme of United Solo, the doing this. I knew that the story was Kazakhstan will be shown in the largest solo performance festival, in strong and the form is interesting to biggest international theatre arena. New York in October. explore, but with the main ques- Absolutely, it is an important mo- The monodrama, which pre- tion being unanswered, the whole ment for us and at the same time a miered in early May at ARTi- thing would be pointless. From the unique opportunity to see theatre SHOCK Theatre in Almaty, tells first glance, we are living in a time that came from the country that the story of Soviet soldier Ana- where art is created just for the sake they only heard from a character of toliy Ogay. His grandson, who was of art, but I believe that right now one of my favourite comedians Sa- named after him, is the single actor it is even more important to have sha Baron Cohen and recently from and narrator. a strong basis under everything an GGG (Gennady Golovkin). We are Partners in life and art, Ogay and artist creates. In this philosophical excited to share our little story with Kim have been living, studying and Anatoliy Ogay search, I came to a conclusion that the world,” said Ogay. working in Los Angeles for more this work should be seen and heard United Solo is entering its ninth than six years. During their stay in show the next day. There definitely PR director Larissa Pak helped were between 10 and 18 years old. specifically by Generation Z. Not to season. Almaty, they shared impressions was a moment of sadness after we us tremendously along the way. That was one of our goals – to bring forget and never repeat,” said Ogay. “The show will be presented Oct. from their premiere performance were done, but at the same time, Bringing people to the theatre to a the generation of the Internet to see “It was important for us to show 27 on Theatre Row on 42nd Street and talked about upcoming festi- we knew our next move on the mono-play where the main topic this story and share our version of the other side of the medal – what in New York City. It is a great op- vals in an interview for this story. map was more shows to be excited is war is a tough task, but we ac- the war in the language they under- is left inside a soldier’s heart when portunity to see the most exciting, “It was amazing. We started pre- about,” said Ogay. complished it with success. One of stand and talk,” added Kim. the trigger has been pulled, when extraordinary solo theatre in the paring for the show in Almaty in “We had three shows and all the surprises for us during our short Ogay devoted his performance, the bullets have missed the target world. It is important to mention March – rehearsing, tuning up the three nights were sold out, which run was that a lot of guests were not held during the Victory Day cel- and when the enemy is just another that while we are preparing for the script, contacting the press and all makes us really happy. It is impor- familiar with the form of a mono- ebration, to his grandfather, one young boy your age,” added Kim. international touring we are hoping that jazz. The event seemed so far tant to mention that this success drama and in some cases with the of 200,000 Koreans deported from The Scottish festival, held an- to get support from people and or- away, but the next thing you know, was achieved by goal-oriented and modern theatre in general. Another the Russian-Korean border by the nually since 1947, will provide a ganisations in spreading the voice you are singing the closing tune dedicated teamwork. Our amaz- surprise was the age of some of the Soviet government in 1937. The global stage for the monodrama of Kazakhstan’s theatre creators in and wishing there was one more ing co-producer Galina Kiryan and audience members. A lot of them performance explores the life of about bravery and love of country. the world,” he added. B4 NATION&CAPITAL COUNTRY

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018 President congratulates graduating class at Nazarbayev University rum, reminding graduates that sity], which provided me with By Zhanna Shayakhmetova they play a vital role in the eco- competitive knowledge in my nomic, political and spiritual field; the staff of the universi- ASTANA – In 2018, 811 modernisation of their country. ty, whose eagerness to help me students graduated from Naz- “As a young generation that made me feel as if I was back at arbayev University, as more than represents a renewed Kazakh- home; and my family for their 140,000 students are graduating stan, you will implement all the persistent support,” said Shar- from high schools nationwide. new initiatives. Your energy, ifzoda, who studied the politics Kazakh President Nursultan drive, intelligence and creativity and governance of the Russian Nazarbayev attended the June 1 are the key to the successful de- Federation, Eastern Europe and commencement ceremony of his velopment of our homeland. You Eurasia. namesake university and con- have your own unique path. I am More than 30 Nazarbayev gratulated students on the day proud of you,” he said. University graduates from pre- of the fourth graduation of the Nazarbayev University Presi- vious years are working in Asia, young institution. dent Shigeo Katsu noted, “More Europe and North America. “Today, 1,800 graduates of the than half of [Nazarbayev Uni- Some are employed in leading university are successfully em- versity] graduates are employed IT companies including Goog- ployed in different companies immediately. They work in fi- le, Microsoft and other Silicon in Kazakhstan and abroad. More nancial services, engineering, Valley-based organisations. Ap- than 100 graduates received of- robotics, and find jobs in large proximately 4,000 students are fers from top universities to con- consulting companies. We are currently studying in various tinue their studies. This proves pleased to observe the trend of programmes at the university. the quality of educational pro- our graduates opening their own Nazarbayev University offers grammes at the university,” he businesses. Our students work in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral high-ranking international pub- help build an educational hub in Kazakhstan but also from neigh- said. Kazakhstan, and those who leave programmes developed in part- lications and 36 patents were the Central Asian region. bouring countries and beyond. The President noted the role continue their education. Some nership with the world’s leading received. Corporate sponsors al- The President called upon The university should become a and importance of research uni- students also successfully work universities. Acclaimed national located more than 40 grants for Nazarbayev University to focus platform for joint implementa- versities in educational and inno- for international companies.” and international researchers are scientific research. Twenty-one on advancing its intellectual and tion of youth projects, an educa- vative development. The univer- Khamza Sharifzoda from Ta- invited to train students; to en- projects were supported to help scientific resources, to promote tional platform that offers online sity is now a symbol of renewal, jikistan was among those who sure a close relationship between commercialise research results. innovative production and en- courses like Harvard University, a key to the country’s potential received a diploma with honours education, science and produc- The head of state said that the trepreneurship and to develop a Coursera and Khan Academy.” scientific, innovative and human from the Kazakh President. tion; and to create an effective distance-learning platform. Nazarbayev also spoke about growth, he added. university’s further successful “I want to thank President academic environment for the As a result, more than 1,700 development will contribute to “The university should attract five global trends discussed at Nazarbayev for his initiative to development of the country’s hu- publications were observed in the growth of human capital and the best students not only from the recent Astana Economic Fo- establish [Nazarbayev Univer- man capital.

the current year is structured ac- cording to the norms of medical care with an emphasis on the Vice minister of Kazakhstan prepares for newly preventive direction of primary health care. “In the system of compulsory social health insurance, medical agriculture identifies adapted social health insurance assistance will be aimed at im- attention will be paid to detail system and its continued devel- proving the quality of life of eve- By Amir Khaidar and optimisation by prioritising opment. ry citizen. The bill introducing and limiting medical services. The third stage will involve the new model of guaranteed vol- six key problems ASTANA – Kazakh Health- In the second stage, a new a regular update to the lists of ume of free medical care and the development programme recently care Minister Yelzhan Birtanov model of guaranteed free medical guaranteed free medical care and medical benefits package in the By Assel Satubaldina endorsed by the government. has proposed new approaches to care will be presented simultane- compulsory social health insur- compulsory social health insur- “When we juxtaposed the exist- the free medical care and medi- ously with the introduction of ance, taking into account devel- ance system has been prepared. ASTANA – First Vice Minister ing six indicators stipulated in the cal benefits package under the compulsory social health insur- oping medical technologies. The bill passed all examination of Agriculture Arman Yevniyev current national programme (of ag- compulsory social health insur- ance. Birtanov noted this phase The healthcare ministry guar- stages,” said Birtanov. ance system, reported priminis- will be characterised by defining antees medical care will be pro- Prime Minister Bakytzhan ter.kz. the clear boundaries of the state’s vided to every person in an emer- Sagintayev instructed the health- The model will be implement- obligations under the programme gency situation, as well as for care ministry to conduct outreach ed in three phases. In the first and further ensuring the policy pandemics and diseases that can work with the public, noting the stage, a full audit of medical care aimed at developing preventive result in demographic crises or need for every citizen to know under existing conditions will be and primary health care. The pro- disability. which medical care is provided conducted as it relates to guaran- cess will also include full-scale The detailed list of guaranteed free of charge and which is on a teed free medical care. Maximum transition to the health insurance free medical care developed for fee basis. Officials report on children’s summer Photo credit: primeminister.kz Photo credit: First Vice Minister of Agriculture Arman Yevniyev. recreation programmes indicated six key problems in the riculture development), we found health improvement and activi- rial assistance in organising sum- Prime Minister Bakytzhan country’s agricultural sector dur- out they do not allow assess to what By Dana Omirgazy ties. A least 2.5 million children, mer vacation activities for gifted Sagintayev focused on children’s ing a May 29 government meet- extent the above-mentioned prob- or 92.2 percent of the total num- children and those from socially safety by emphasising the need ing. The issues include low labour lems are being tackled and do en- ASTANA – At least 2.5 million ber of school students, will attend vulnerable segments of the popu- to strengthen public monitoring productivity, low product compe- courage participants of cooperatives children will be provided with rec- the camps. Activities and leisure lation. of children’s camps and conduct tition, poor technical equipment, and local administration to fabricate reational activities during summer in summer (sections, clubs, excur- The parade of musical ensem- constant information and explan- lack of knowledge, expertise and the results. Therefore, we need to vacation, said Kazakh Minister of sions, etc.) will be organised for bles at all schools, scheduled for atory work among parents and qualified specialists, low profita- replace the current target indica- bility and high overhead expenses. tors,” he noted. Education and Science Yerlan Sa- 2.557 million, or 91 percent of June 1, will be the biggest event of teachers. Yevniyev noted the need to de- “The proposed target indicators gadiyev during the May 29 gov- schoolchildren,” he said. the summer, said Sagadiyev. More “Last year, the main reason for velop agricultural cooperatives to stimulate the participants of cooper- ernment meeting. As the young- During vacation, children will than 500,000 children from all re- the tragedy with children was weak address the problems. He added atives to conduct an economic anal- sters begin their holiday, officials be able to attend Olympic reserve gions are expected to take part in parental control and non-compli- the law adopted in 2015 for the first ysis of the whole production chain considered organising health-relat- summer schools, language schools, the International Children’s Day ance with security measures. The time defined the legal status, rights and technological and marketing ed recreation and leisure events. debate clubs, more than 14,000 in- activity. Compared to last year, the main share – 99 percent – was ac- and duties of agricultural coopera- processes to identify and eliminate Sagadiyev noted 2.815 million terest clubs, courtyard clubs, art les- number of children has increased counted for in the swimming sea- tives and bottom-up organisations obstacles,” he added. Kazakh children are enrolled in sons and more than 19,000 sporting five-fold. son. In this connection, the Minis- formed by small farmers to increase Yevniyev suggested introducing grades one-10. This year, 15,597 events and excursions. Astana Akim (Mayor) Asset Is- try of Education and Science and productivity and profitability and three key measurable indicators – health camps and sites will operate Approximately four billion sekeshev noted 133,000 children the Ministry of Internal Affairs prevent market failure. productivity growth, profit growth during the vacation period. tenge (US$12.1 million) was al- will enjoy a nature-filled vacation adopted an interdepartmental plan Kazakhstan has emphasised de- and investment growth – for an “Summer holidays for children located from the local budget this in the city. At least 77 of its schools for organising children’s training veloping its agricultural sector, as annual growth of no less than 10 are organised in two directions: year to provide financial and mate- will organise summer camps. in swimming,” noted Sagadiyev. more than 70 percent of the coun- percent. He also proposed equal try’s area is suitable for production. subsidising conditions as part of Yet small farms spread throughout state-run support programmes as the nation face numerous disadvan- a way to develop agriculture coop- tages that eventually impede their eratives. access to the market supply chain, Agricultural cooperatives can ex- Government for Citizens simplifies, making it difficult for them to com- ist in two forms – horizontal and pete with large companies and en- vertical. The latter implies coop- terprises. eration between small and medium As of April 1, 2,849 such cooper- farms to pool resources and create shortens real estate registration procedures atives with more than 62,000 people a joint cooperative with an oppor- The changes will reduce the vices, the beneficiary is able to requested documents without vis- have been registered. A recent gov- tunity to establish associations and By Rustam Mukhametkaliyev terms of services provided and get services on the same applica- iting a TsON. ernment audit, however, revealed larger cooperatives in the future. cost of registration, excluding ad- tion at a population service centre The first digital service cen- more than half are active only on Yevniyev cited the experience of ASTANA – Government for ministrative barriers and reducing (TsON),” he said. tre with self-service sectors was paper. Denmark, the Netherlands, New Citizens State Corporation in- corruption risks during registration The service recipient will also launched in the capital. The inau- “Based on the results of the audit Zealand, South Korea, Sweden and tends to simplify real estate reg- procedures. Revisions will also be apply to a TsON in cases of errors gural public service centre for im- conducted by the administration of the U.S. istration and reduce the times it made to the process for obtaining and inconsistencies in information migrants was also opened, where the President, a range of systematic The work of such cooperatives, takes, reported board chair Aby- services without a notarised agree- to be adjusted in the information applicants can receive medical problems was revealed that inhibit however, needs to be systematised laikhan Ospanov at the May 23 ment and registering rights. system. examinations, fingerprinting and the effective development of the ag- and digitised and a special Internet Central Communications Service “The beneficiary now first The state corporation currently be issued an insurance policy and riculture cooperative system. This portal currently under development briefing. comes to the Ministry of Justice conducts employee training and individual identification number. includes a big share of idle – 18 per- will enable collecting information, “The rights to register real estate to receive services without a no- other preparatory activities. More than 700 services can be cent and formally created coopera- monitoring cooperatives, evaluat- will be transferred from the Min- tarised agreement. Then, the ben- Government for Citizens recent- obtained through the e-govern- tives – 42 percent,” said Yevniyev. ing results, controlling the number istry of Justice to the Government eficiary visits the front office of ly introduced advanced technolo- ment portal and other sources. The six problems will be reflected of jobs and tracing the productivity for Citizens state corporation in the state corporation and submits gies in public services nationwide. Digital offices are scheduled to in developing the new target indi- of each worker, as well as teaching the near future. This will simplify the documents for the registration The paper-free process allows open in additional cities in the near cators envisioned in the agriculture digital literacy. the procedure,” he said. of rights. After the transfer of ser- individuals to receive frequently future. B5 NATION&CAPITAL SOCIETY

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018 Foreign students’ forum examines ways to Astana hosts international implement Ruhani Zhangyru programme forum on cooperation, technological innovation in higher education “We also want to make sure By Amir Khaidar that our research is increasingly informed, meaning uses technol- ASTANA – Higher education ogy wisely. I think that the future leaders, scholars and representa- is not in having fear of technology, tives of government bodies gath- robots or artificial intelligence, it ered June 7 in Astana for the an- is how we are going to collaborate nual Eurasian Higher Education and work with robots or artificial Leaders Forum to share their ideas, intelligence,” Katsu added. expertise and experience in chang- He stressed that it is important ing higher education to meet the that scientists develop a strong challenges of the age of disruption. background in social sciences and Kazakh Secretary of State humanities. At the same time, fu- Gulshara Abdykalikova in her ture philosophers increasingly

Photo credit: enu.kz. Photo credit: welcoming address highlighted need to be numerically literate and invited foreign students to im- programme was most interesting ject to translate President Naz- the significance of educating spe- understand the basics of computers By Aigerim Seisembayeva plement the steps of the project for the importance it attached to arbayev’s article “Course towards cialists in new formats, following and programming. upon returning home for their the development of trilingual edu- the future: modernisation of na- advanced training programmes, so Forum participants also dis- ASTANA – More than 500 summer holidays, including do- cation in Kazakhstan. tional identity” into the official that in the future they are competi- cussed the transfer of experience people participated in a May 29 nating a book about Kazakhstan A visiting lecturer from Spain, languages of the United Nations. tive on the labour market. in NU regarding curriculum devel- foreign students’ forum at L.N. to local libraries, publishing an Edita Denst-Garcia, spoke about The project was developed with Higher education stakeholders, opment and academic personnel Gumilyov Eurasian National Uni- article in local media outlets, the benefits of a project to translate the participation of foreign stu- faculty members, scholars, gov- recruitment with faculty members versity (ENU) to discuss the Ru- taking part in thematic events, the world’s best textbooks into Ka- dents, visiting foreign professors ernment employers, education as- and board members of domestic hani Zhangyru (Modernisation publishing posts about the pro- zakh. and representatives of the univer- sociations and organisations from and foreign educational institu- of Kazakhstan’s Identity) pro- gramme on social media and Second-year undergraduate stu- sity. 11 countries discussed social and tions. gramme, the university’s press ser- other steps. dent of ENU from China Kanat In addition, the forum an- technological changes that affect “I think that international col- vice reports. Second-year doctoral student of Kahar suggested including one of nounced the launch of the “We higher education and its develop- laboration is critical for the suc- Participants discussed ways to ENU from Korea Chu Young Min the legacies of Kazakh literature write using Latin script – we sup- ment in today’s rapidly changing cess of NU or other universities expand the international impact of speaks Kazakh fluently. She says and traditions – Kazakh proverbs port Latin script” student project environment. in Kazakhstan. Providing oppor- the programme, which was initiat- language is not only a communica- and sayings – into the programme. on social media. “Every year in early June we tunities for students to have an ed in April 2017 by Kazakh Presi- tion tool, but an identification of a He also proposed including the The final document of the fo- organise and run this conference; outlook is critical for the success dent Nursultan Nazarbayev. person and a nation. She noted it is names of Kazakh heroes buried rum – the address by ENU for- each year we try to identify and of the students today. So I think Student from France Jeremy important to remember this and be outside the country. eign students – fully supported discuss a topic that is highly rel- that connection with international Convert announced the launch grateful to ancestors for preserving Head of the Ruh.kz website and the Ruhani Zhangyru programme evant. We thought that discussing partners, international universi- of the 1001 Qadam (1001 Steps) and communicating the language businessperson Abai Sergaziyev and called on all foreign students the impact of technology on higher ties is important for everybody,” Youth Project, which will hold to the youth. encouraged students to submit ide- studying in Kazakhstan to sup- education would be a very appro- said Benjamin Wah, provost of rallies under the programme Yursa Al-Shahman, a student as to implement the programme. port the forum’s newly launched priate topic this year,” President the Chinese University of Hong until the end of this year. He from Iran, stressed that for her, the The forum also presented a pro- projects. of Nazarbayev University (NU) Kong. Shigeo Katsu told the gathering. He also noted the NU experience He noted that technology will im- is a great model for the country to pact the way classes are conducted follow, and that it was something He emphasised the recommen- in the near future with an increase that all countries aspiring to ex- dation to expand vaccinations. in distance learning and online cel in educational research should “Now, the vaccine is a paid one classes. The act of learning will be investigate. A transformation in 2,000 Almaty residents and it is available not only in pri- concentrated at homes in front of terms of developing excellency in vate medical centres, but in state computers or tablets, and it is im- learning and research will be criti- ones. We are also checking the sit- portant that universities adapt and cal for the success of Kazakhstan uation with antibiotics. The main respond to these external factors. in the future, he said. examined for meningitis prevention is, along with the iden- the medical centres have avail- and when he asked, it was too late. tification of carriers and patients By Yerbolat Uatkhanov able beds and in some cases empty Therefore, the main reason for the from among contacts, also timely wards. lethality is the untimely appeal to antibiotic treatment,” he said. ASTANA – Responding to the “Today, the number of diseases medical workers,” he added. Sixty-two cases of meningococ- eight fatal cases of meningitis and the incidence rate is not criti- Nearly 2,200 people will be ex- cal disease have been registered in Government, financial registered this year, approxi- cal, so there is no reason to discuss amined, noted Bekshin. Kazakhstan this year. Of that num- mately 2,000 Almaty residents the lack of places in hospitals,” he “To date, the work of medi- ber, 29 cases were recorded in Al- will be examined for the disease. said. cal personnel and authorities is maty, four in the East Kazakhstan Kazakh healthcare heads are He attributed the deaths to the aimed at stopping the spread of region, three in the Almaty region, institutions increase support confident the situation is under fact the affected individuals de- this mechanism (transmission of two in the South Kazakhstan re- control and the infection chain layed seeking medical attention. infection from carriers). For this gion and two in the capital. will be broken. “All the fatal cases are primar- purpose, all contacts are taken into “There were eight fatal cases Chief State Sanitary Doctor ily due to the fact that the pa- account. As of today, about 2,200 for the past period of this year, for women entrepreneurs Zhandarbek Bekshin and Vice tients came late; that is, they did are being examined. At that, two four of which were in Almaty and The Atameken National Cham- Minister of Healthcare Lyazzat not hurry to ask for medical as- people are carriers and three are two cases each in the Almaty and Staff Report ber of Entrepreneurs launched Aktayeva were accompanied by sistance. Here is the last case – a being identified. That is, the de- the South Kazakhstan regions. In the Business Bastau project to in- reporters May 26 as they visited student was ill and lay in a dormi- tection process is active. We will the South Kazakhstan region, fa- ASTANA – Approximately crease the market activities of the Almaty’s hospitals for treatment of tory for three or four days. He did interrupt the chain using the meth- tal cases were registered in early 11,180 individuals, including self-employed and unemployed infectious diseases. Bekshin noted not ask about medical assistance ods,” he said. January,” said Bekshin. 6,270 women, have applied to in the regions. As a result, 15,000 participate in the Nurly Zher people, 41.5 percent of whom are housing construction programme women from 14 regions, partici- since 2017, according to a report pated in the training. At present, presented at the June 6 National 3,314 people, including 1,204 Commission for Women and Fam- women, have started and expanded Paper nomads: Almaty residents ily and Demographic Policy meet- their businesses. ing chaired by Secretary of State Gulshara Abdykalikova. “The 7-20-25 warm to book crossing She noted President Nursultan Nazarbayev pays attention to the programme providing Continued from Page B1 veloping in other regions of the mass phenomenon, even in such ject, small forms of book crossing well-being of all families. a low-cost, long-term country, including Astana. How- reading cities as London or Mos- do not require much financing. A “The 7-20-25 programme pro- “Today, book crossing is de- ever, it is too early to talk about a cow. Since this is a social pro- book crossing ‘library’ can be cre- viding a low-cost, long-term mort- mortgage loan is the ated in any space, office, bus stop, gage loan is the first one of the metro, restaurant, café, et cetera. five social initiatives. The Nurly first one of the five Systematically, we should practice Zher programme, aimed at solv- social initiatives. this movement in any part of our ing mortgage problems and con- life. People will get used to bring- struction of rental and commercial The Nurly Zher ing books for exchange, and not housing, is also being implement- programme is also throw them out like paper. Every ed on instructions of the head of book has its own reader. The most state,” she said. being implemented important thing is to care,” he said. Women have benefitted in sev- Kisikov hopes book crossing eral ways. To date, 4,105 women on instructions of the will become a movement inde- have purchased homes, according head of state.” pendent of specific people, organi- to Zhilstroisberbank. The Damu sations or events. It should instead Entrepreneurship Development Small and medium-sized busi- be a mass daily event. Fund implemented a microloan nesses are also supported as part “Previously, we had a book case programme for women entrepre- with approximately 2,000 books neurship in 2010 that provides mi- of programmes initiated by Asian for free access. Visitors could take croloans with preferential terms. Development Bank. One-third of what they liked or leave theirs. It Since its inception, 1,654 people lending is directed to women and was removed in May due to new have received loans totalling 14.3 750 projects worth 51.9 billion plans. We intend to build an av- billion tenge (US$43 million). tenge (US$155 million) have been enue of international writers and The report also indicated 41,855 financed. place several bookshelves there… borrowers and 14,374 women en- The European Bank for Re- Perhaps this place will become trepreneurs in rural regions were construction and Development the most important point in book granted loans as part of the Pro- (EBRD) allocated 11.1 billion crossing,” Altynai Baimukhanova, ductive Employment and Mass tenge (US$33 million) to support spokesperson for Kazakhstan’s Entrepreneurship Development 256 entrepreneurs as part of the

Photo credit: kapital.kz. Photo credit: National Library, said. 2017-2021 programme. Women in Business programme. B6 NATION&CAPITAL TOURISM

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018 North Kazakhstan region develops camping, caravan tourism here,” said North Kazakhstan re- been completed. Yachting and By Zhanna Shayakhmetova gion Akim (Governor) Kumar aeronautics services will also be Aksakalov during his June 5 visit provided there. ASTANA – The North Kazakh- to the Imantau-Shalkar resort Road infrastructure is important stan regional government plans zone in the Aiyrtau district. for tourism development. About to develop camping and caravan Thirteen summer houses ac- 4 billion tenge (US$12 million) tourism in the area, reports the re- commodating 52 people are al- has been budgeted for highway gional akimat’s press service. ready available. repairs in the Aiyrtau district. Locations for caravannings The Shalkar Su, a local sanato- The district has 37 tourist facili- have been found at the Turpan rium, requires major repairs and ties. Last year, the amount of in- recreation centre near the Lake is seeking investment. vestments for construction and re- Shalkar. It is planned to equip the Ten recreation centres will be pairs of recreation centres totalled parking lot with utilities and a tent constructed this year in the resort 106 million tenge (US$319,527). site. area. The total investment is 411 Overall, approximately 80,000 “We should create favourable million tenge (US$1.2 million). tourists visit the region every year. conditions for camping. A special Eleven land plots with an area of The authorities are also work- zone with security should be here 65 hectares were granted to en- ing to improve the infrastructure for vehicles. Tourists need vari- trepreneurs. The houses, summer in Petropavlovsk. Entrance to all ous types of entertainment. An lodges, cafes, gazebos and shops museums is free in the region. area for beach volleyball should will be built. It is planned to de- The Zaman Taspasy (Chronicles be provided. The shore of the lake velop medical, hunting, fishing of Time) project was developed must be clean. We need to provide and sports tourism. for visitors to get acquainted on- safety and security measures. We The construction of the Solne- line with local historical monu- will be glad to welcome tourists chnoe VIP recreation resort has ments of the city. Map of sacred places to Senator Nazarbayeva be completed by 2021 proposes introduction of single Central Asian visa The countries have been taking relations in all areas will come to By Assel Satubaldina measures to simplify visa proce- develop by themselves,” said Naz- dures. arbayeva. ASTANA – Central Asian gov- In 2014, Kazakhstan introduced “I do not think that many visited ernments should consider intro- a visa-free entry to citizens of ten Samarkand, Khiva, Bukhara. I was ducing a single visa for the region, countries allowing a visa-free stay myself in Samarkand and Tashkent said Kazakh Senate Deputy and for up to 15 days. and I have never been to other cit- International Affairs, Defence and These included major investors ies,” she added. Security Committee Chair Dariga in Kazakhstan: the United States, Kazakhstan first proposed a Nazarbayeva during a recent meet- the United Kingdom, Germany, Central Asian single visa initiative ing with Uzbek colleagues in the France, Italy, Malaysia, the Neth- in March. Kazakh Tourism nation-

Photo credit: qazmap.kz. Photo credit: Saryagash border town in southern erlands, the United Arab Emirates, al company chair Rashid Kuzem- Kyzylkent. Kazakhstan. South Korea and Japan. bayev said in March a Central She stressed the importance of The pilot project was a success Asian visa would boost tourism. Staff Report (Sacred Kazakhstan) expedition, dence demonstrating that Kazakh- developing tourism to “know bet- and the government extended the Discovering the region and get- organised by Kazakhstan National stan has been inhabited by people ter and trust each other.” list to 19 countries in 2015. ting to know its culture and people ASTANA – Nazarbayev Univer- Geographic Society QazaqGeog- with various religious practices “We discussed the need to fa- In 2017, in connection with the within one tour would be a great sity’s National Laboratory Astana raphy and Nazarbayev University and world views. For example, the cilitate the development of tour- creation of the Astana Internation- opportunity, he said then. will create and make available on- (NU) also recently contributed to the mosque in Akkol was constructed ism not only in Kazakhstan and al Financial Centre, that list was “We think of a Kazakh-Uzbek line a map of Kazakhstan’s sacred project. by Bashkir architects in Siberian and Uzbekistan, but also to foster the expanded to cover all citizens of travel route as a good idea. Tour- places by 2021. The project is part “This year we explored an ancient Tatar style, while manuscripts in the increase of the inflow of tourists ists visiting the Uzbek part of of Kazakhstan’s Ruhani Zhangyru wooden mosque in Akkol, Konyr Oirat languages and images of Bo- coming from abroad. When they Discovering the the route could visit Samarkand, programme. Aulie cave, Ablai kit monastery, dhisattva were found in the Dzhun- come to the Central Asian region, Bukhara, Khiva and, of course, “The project will require three Akkol mazar, mosque built by Abai gar Ablai kit monastery dating back they want to see all major sights region and getting to Tashkent, while in Kazakhstan years. We gradually collect infor- Kunanbayev’s father and Kyzylkent to the 17th century. Red temple of at once. For that we need to intro- know its culture and they can begin from Turkestan, mation about sacred places in Ka- temple during the May 17-26 trip,” Kyzylkent was also built by people duce a single visa regime,” said Shymkent, Taraz and finish in Al- zakhstan and convert it in electronic said QazaqGeography International adhering to Buddhism,” he noted. Nazarbayeva. people within one maty and Astana. They can also format, which will later be available and Research Projects Department More than 40 manuscripts in the Once a remote region located on visit our national parks, such as online,” said Junior Researcher at Manager Nurzhan Algashov. Oirat and Turkic languages, exam- what was known as the Silk Way tour would be a great Sairam-Ugam, Aksu-Dzhabagly National Laboratory Astana in Naz- A series of Kieli Kazakhstan trips ined during the trip, were converted that spun for centuries connecting opportunity. and others, where we can ensure arbayev University Veronika Dashk- have been made to study spiritual to digital format and geographic Europe and the Far East, Central an unforgettable experience from ova. heritage objects. information systems (GIS) coordi- Asia is drawing increasing inter- an eco-tourism perspective,” he The annual Kieli Kazakhstan “These objects are a clear evi- nates of sites were identified. est internationally as a mysterious 45 countries, including the Euro- said in March. and little known destination and a pean Union and Organisation for Sacral tourism, including visits melting pot of cultures and people. Economic Cooperation and Devel- to sacred and religious sites, might Central Asia is a far-flung re- opment member states, and the vi- also be attractive to tourists, ac- gion, she added, and visa appli- sa-free stay for them was extended cording to Kuzembayev. cation procedures are tedious for to 30 days. “In the long-term, this initiative Bukhtarma Reservoir offers many tourists willing to visit the In Kyrgyzstan, passport hold- will be proposed to our neighbours countries in the region. ers of 61 countries also enjoy a – Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Chi- “It could probably be an Asian visa-free stay for up to 60 days. na,” he added. ‘Schengen’ that could be called Last year, the Kyrgyz government European Bank for Reconstruc- energy and entertainment Silk Visa,” said Nazarbayeva re- introduced and eVisa system ena- tion and Development (EBRD) ferring to the Schengen visa cov- bling tourists to apply for tourism, President Suma Chakrabarti re- ering most of the European Union business and group visas online. cently commended the Kazakh ini- member states as well as Switzer- “We need to create a transparent, tiative saying it would be a “game land and Norway. open and friendly border, then our changer for the region.” Photo credit: kzt.io Photo credit:

body creates favorable conditions sorts and cottages along the shore By Meruyert Abugaliyeva for ships to travel along the river starting from 4,000 tenge (US$12) to Omsk, Russia. The reservoir is per day for one person. ASTANA – The Bukhtarma wa- also used for irrigation and water The recreation area is easily ac- ter reservoir in East Kazakhstan supply to nearby settlements. cessible as recreations zones are region is more than just one of the Bukhtarma, the largest artificial located 80-150 kilometres from five largest artificial reservoirs in water reservoir in Kazakhstan, is Ust-Kamenogorsk. Tourists can the world. Surrounded by the Altai commonly referred to as the sea travel from Ust-Kamenogorsk to Mountains and forests, its beauty because of its size at 425 kilome- New Bukhtarma station by train has also made it a popular recrea- tres long and 35 kilometres wide. or bus and then take a taxi to any tion spot. The average depth is 9.6 metres, recreation zone along the reservoir The reservoir was created dur- although it reaches 60 metres. coast. ing the construction of Bukhtarma The mountains, pine forests The full beauty of Bukhtarma hydroelectric power plant on the with aspens and rowans and fresh can be enjoyed during the summer, Irtysh River in 1960. It includes air carrying the scent of medici- when water temperature reaches parts along the Irtysh River and nal herbs surrounding Bukhtarma 23 degrees Celsius. It is a lovely Zaisan Lake. have made the spot popular with spot for trekking, picking berries The reservoir’s power plant domestic and foreign tourists. in the forests, swimming and sun- produces electricity and the water Bukhtarma offers health spas, re- bathing. B7 NATION&CAPITAL SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018 International championship- Kazakhstan football team beats winning coach from Ukraine Azerbaijan in friendly match takes reins at FC Astana club should have its victories. My work will be to reach them. It is a great pleasure that the media show interest.” In response to questions, Grig- orchuk said his goal was to win with Astana’s current players, who he called well-chosen. As for joining the team without having spent pre-season training time with the players, he said, “all we need is to work.” “FC Astana is at the level when the team sets great tasks. It is

Photo credit: sports.kz Photo credit: more important to have a match that will allow us to reach great football team, and that the agree- results. On the other hand, I do By Anuar Abdrakhmanov ment with Grigorchuk had been not see any hardships. All we in the works for some time. need is to work… Nothing is per- ASTANA – Roman Grigor- “Of course, we wanted him to fect. There are moments that we chuk, former manager of Latvia’s arrive to us earlier, but he had a need to improve. I only want to Ventspils, Ukraine’s Cherno- current contract with the club in help Astana continue winning. It morets and Azerbaijan’s Gabala, Azerbaijan; therefore, the signing is certain that we will take steps has now been appointed head was postponed,” Khamitzhanov to improve playing. My team and coach of FC Astana.The Ukrain- said. “Roman Grigorchuk is ex- I should improve each day.” ian has extensive experience perienced. We have agreed with As for taking a Kazakh team working with clubs in the group Grigori Babayan that he would to the Champion’s League, he stage of the Europa League, hav- permanently act as a coach until said, “I, of course, can say that ing taken three of his clubs there the arrival of a new coach. Gre- I am ready, but does it change Bakhtiyer Zainutdinov scored Ka- well. The footballers fought for for a total of four showings. gori Konstantinovich continues anything? In order to win, many By Anuar Abdrakhmanov zakhstan’s third goal with minutes their authority. I always say that In the 2013 to 2014 season, he working in the coaching staff of things must coincide. Now, the remaining. Kazakhstan’s footballers have a reached the round of 16 of the the club and will be Grigorchuk’s task of making the Champions ASTANA – The Kazakh football “I congratulate the entire Ka- potential. They have dignity; no second major European tourna- right hand. We hope that in Ka- League is difficult, but it does team recently beat the Azerbaijan zakhstan on the victory. Our foot- one wants to lose. Everyone can ment with Chernomorets. Grig- zakhstan he will win many tro- not mean that we will not try. I team 3-0 in a friendly match. ballers demonstrated that they see it. There was a good attitude. orchuk has also won the Latvian phies. Grigorchuk is an ambitious like the way [Astana’s] football- Kazakhstan scored twice in are able to play nice football,” Those who want to fight for the championship three times and coach. He aims to win champion- ers were selected. The coach can the first half. Roman Murtazayev said Kazakh Head Coach Stan- country will be offered to play in twice won the Latvian Cup. He ships and to perform successfully only recommend someone. Our scored the first goal followed by imir Stoilov. “The main thing is the national team. We intend to has taken teams to silver and in European tournaments. We decisions will be built upon this Serikzhan Muzhikov. that we have a potential for de- give them hope. The players grow bronze medals in Azerbaijan’s have signed a contract for two leadership.” The Kazakh team continued velopment. The victory does not stronger in their clubs, and it is championship and has been rec- years.” The challenges the team faces to attack in the second half, and imply that everything is going very good.” ognised as a coach of the year in Grigorchuk said joining FC are, of course, travel times, he all of three countries where he Astana would be a step forward said, especially in the summer. previously worked. FC Astana for him. “It gets hard as there is a diffi- President Sayan Khamitzhanov, “I am proud of being a coach of cult schedule. Flights, scheduling in announcing the club’s new FC Astana,” he said. “As a result problems are not easy. It is cer- manager, noted that former man- of their hard work, Astana is well tain that the team should be full, IBF strips one of Golovkin’s ager Stanimir Stoilov would now known in European football. It so the coach can substitute [as he be heading Kazakhstan’s national places a responsibility on us. This needs to].” world champion title title for a long period. That is the with rematches and trilogies. The By Anuar Abdrakhmanov policy. One can agree or not, but peak of physical condition often Shchuchinsk hosts finals of unfortunately it is often a part of lasts for only one or two years, ASTANA – The International the game. I remember my fight but over this period the opponent Boxing Federation (IBF) recently with Ricky Hatton, I should have does not have a chance to fight for stripped Kazakh boxer Gennady the title. It is a tricky situation. SportFest athletic competition ‘GGG’ Golovkin of his world “I understand the On one hand, Golovkin is one of champion title after Golovkin re- the best guys and rightly holds his to be among the finalists compet- emotional and unforgettable expe- fused to hold an obligatory title de- situation with belts, and on the other hand, there By Assel Satubaldina ing at Baldauren Camp. rience,” said Nazarbayeva. fence fight against Ukrainian Ser- are other guys who deserve a title Kazakh Senate Deputy Dariga “The future of the country is in gey Derevianchenko until Aug. 3. opponents – they fight. That is one of the advantag- ASTANA – Five-hundred and Nazarbayeva congratulated the our hands and these hands must be The decision followed a May 22 should have an es of the concept of multi-cham- twenty-eight of Kazakhstan’s best participants on reaching the finals. strong,” she added. federation hearing in the United pionship. One can complain, but student athletes competed May 31 Sport makes “strong personali- “The unique project is aimed at States attended by Golovkin, Der- opportunity to fight it is the reason why holding sev- through June 5 in the finals of the ties,” said Nazarbayeva, and they bringing more school children to evianchenko (12-0, 10 KOs) and eral championship titles is good,” nationwide SportFEST competi- are needed to build a “new Ka- gyms and sport stadiums, so that their teams. for the title.” said Malignaggi. tion in Shchuchinsk in northern zakhstan of the 21st century.” sports become an integral part of Former world boxing champion Golovkin is in the midst of nego- Kazakhstan. “The finalists are here today in our life. SportFEST should turn into Paul Malignaggi said he believed vacated the IBF title because of tiations for two fights. Talks with SportFest is Kazakhstan’s larg- Baldauren. Look at how many an annual celebration of strength, the federation stripped Golovkin’s the same reason, because of an Mexican Saul Alvarez (49-1-2, 34 est student athletic competition and of you are here, beautiful, smart, beauty and health,” she said. title because the Kazakh boxer was obligatory defence fight. Some- KOs) have reached a deadlock be- includes disciplines such as futsal, strong and cheerful. Each of you Kazakh Minister for Religion taking too long to give other fight- times the situation goes this way. cause of financial disagreements. military applied sports, chess, table is best in your region. Eight hun- and Civil Society Affairs Darkhan ers the opportunity to compete for I understand the situation with Also, there is a possibility of a tennis, basketball and the Kazakh dred schools of our country took Kaletayev and Executive Direc- the title. opponents – they should have an fight with WBO champion Billy national game, togyzkumalak. part in the competition and now tor of the Youth Congress Tokhtar “It is a difficult situation. Oth- opportunity to fight for the title. Joe Saunders (26-0, 12 KOs), who More than 6,000 students across you represent your city, district Bolyssov also addressed the stu- er boxers should also have title The champions hold the title for a cancelled a title defence fight with 16 regions competed since last fall and region. I am sure this is bright, dents at the start of the finals. fights and one should not hold the long period especially in the cases Martin Murray on June 23. Drugoi Ty (Another You) national sports challenge launched Arystanbek Mukhamediuly en- 21-day sports initiative in social The contest committee will The project also focuses on chil- selves to go in for sports to make By Zhanna Shayakhmetova couraged people to support the networks,” said Valikhan Ten dur- identify 16 winners across Ka- dren with special needs. Three it a part of our lives in 21 days… President’s initiative and join the ing the May 28 press conference at zakhstan who will be invited to trainings are planned in Almaty. Athletes, public figures and poli- ASTANA – Drugoi Ty (Another challenge. the Central Communications Ser- the open-air event scheduled for “It takes 21 days to form a new ticians have already joined our You), Kazakhstan’s 21-day na- “The head of state is a great vice. July 6. habit. We should challenge our- team,” said Dias. tional sports challenge, kicked off example for us. Nursultan Naz- “This campaign is the begin- June 4. The campaign, sponsored arbayev has called on us to ex- ning of global changes in the way by the Samruk Kazyna Trust So- ercise. In the state-of-the-nation of life of the whole country. As cial Development Foundation, has address, the task was set to at- a result, an increase in the num- the mission to support a healthy tract 30 percent of the popu- ber of people engaged in physi- lifestyle and promote physical ac- lation to physical culture and cal culture and sports is expected tivity. sport by 2020. As a result, more this year. The indicator will rise The event came on the heels of than five million people are en- up to 300,000 people compared to the initiative held May 26 in Dau- gaged in physical training and 2017,” said Samruk Kazyna Trust let Sports Complex in the capital. sports, which is 28.7 percent of Social Development Foundation Four regions took part in the live the country’s population. This representative Lima Dias. workout and the remaining 10 re- figure increased by 1.3 per- The requirements are simple. gions performed exercises on the cent compared with 2016. We Participants must subscribe to the ground. must not stop at what has been project on Instagram, Facebook In a video message, Kazakh achieved. I urge everyone to do and VKontakte and post a mes- President Nursultan Nazarbayev sports and make physical activ- sage to go through 21 days of motivated citizens to stay active ity a part of your life,” he said. training. Individuals should do and join the national movement. The project has no commercial a 30-minute workout every day “Sports and physical education objectives, according to the organ- from June 4-25 and post pictures is a guarantee of a healthy life- isers. and videos, including location, on style. A healthy person can achieve “The challenge aims to bring in- social networks with the hashtags success and be happy. Happiness is dividuals back to their natural state #Другойты, #Сеніңжаңақырың not about wealth and money, it is of constant movement, which is or #differentyou. Inviting friends about health,” he said. the source of life. We are challeng- and motivating them with one’s

Minister of Culture and Sport ing famous people to support the actions are welcomed. Photo credit:Informburo.kz. B8 NATION&CAPITAL CAPITAL

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018 Astana Mayor announces capital improvements: separate waste collection, new schools, sport centres programme that includes the con- will also be opened as part of the By Zhanna Shayakhmetova struction of schools. In the next Tugan Zher (“Homeland”) project. three years, it is planned to build “The historical-cultural reserve ASTANA – A waste-processing 27 schools and 10 outbuildings to of the Bozok settlement will be plant using French technology ensure an increase in the influx of launched in 2021 to 2022. We pay will be launched in 2019 through a children,” he said. great attention to this project. Ex- public-private partnership, part of Nine kindergartens for a total peditions were initiated for school- Astana’s major push toward estab- cost of more than 5 billion tenge children to study the history of lishing a comprehensive separate (US$15 million) are being built in their native land. We plan to devel- waste collection system, Akim cooperation with private investors. op the infrastructure and increase (Mayor) of Astana Asset Isseke- The city’s 27 new schools will be the number of such expeditions,” shev told a May 31 press confer- opened in the next three years as Issekeshev said. ence on coming improvements to part of the Ruhani Janghyru pro- The Ironman 70.3 Triathlon is the capital. gramme. also coming to Astana, drawing “The plant was presented at “We now have 188 private kin- 3,000 athletes from 40 countries to EXPO 2017,” he said. “This pro- dergartens, almost twice as many the competition that took place in ject can be considered a legacy of as there are public ones, which cov- May. “Currently 288,000 residents the exhibition. The enterprise will er almost 80 percent of preschool are engaged in sports. Our task is process completely organic waste; children. We have 47 schools with to constantly increase this figure. produce biogas and a range of fer- robotics rooms. By the end of the The Triathlon Academy will be tilisers; and recycle plastic, wood year, we will equip all the schools. constructed at the capital’s triath- and paper. We will ensure 70 per- The Cisco Academy is open to lon park this year.” cent of recycling. This is a good in- train 100 information technology Overall, eight sports complex- dicator for European countries. By specialists in schools annually,” he es, five medical centres and the the end of 2019, we will introduce noted. first Paralympic training centre in the European Union’s approach Astana.gov.kz. Photo credit: This year, Astana Daryny, an edu- the Commonwealth of Independ- to waste management. At present, The master plan of the Botanical Garden. cational fund supported by a charity ent States (CIS) are expected a private investor has launched a patron club, will be launched to sup- to be erected in the capital. The plastic and wood processing work- The waste will be divided into for the different types of waste the capital has doubled over seven port talented graduates. The fund mayor also promised road re- shop with 30 refuse-collecting two categories: organic rubbish will be set in all yards in the near years, reaching 143,000 children, will provide scholarships for study- pairs, new parks and bus stops, trucks and more than 2,000 con- and metal, wood, paper, plastic, future. the mayor noted. ing in local and foreign universities. and new gasification technology tainers,” he said. clothing composites. Containers The number of schoolchildren in “We have developed a special The Astana Botanical Garden in the near future. City to add more parks, bike lanes and athletic fields on the right bank of the city. We Akim (Mayor) Asset Issekeshev. Street will be named Park of Suit- Square will have facilities for ed this year. The recreation sites will By Meruyert Abugaliyeva did not give the land lots to com- Eighteen parks and squares will cases as it is located near a railway playing chess. feature outdoor shopping spots. mercial projects after demolishing be equipped with 85 attractions, station, while the park on Pushkin The parks also include Litera- Plans are underway this season ASTANA – The city akimat (ad- old buildings, but earmarked them 115 pieces of sports equipment, Street will be called The Great ture Square with bookshelves and to plant 386,000 trees, 178,000 of ministration) is responding to resi- for parks and squares with play- 18 football and basketball fields, Wall of China. benches for readers and Boulevard which will grow in the new parks and dent requests for increased land- grounds and sports facilities as cit- tennis courts, 17 kilometres of bi- The recreation site at the inter- of Arts on Kenessary Street with a squares. Approximately 312,000 trees scaping, public infrastructure and izens have asked us to. This year, cycle lanes, 30 fountains, 12 kilo- section of Republic and Dukenuly wall for painting. Boulevards will were planted in the city last year. recreational facilities with plans 13 squares and boulevards will be metres of jogging lanes and two streets will be known as the Square also be constructed along Abai Av- Four more squares and one to build additional thematic parks constructed and five more will be skateparks. of Astronomy and Cosmonautics. enue and Mailin Street. boulevard will be built in 2019 and squares. built next year. I am convinced that Each square and boulevard will The Square of Stones, resembling A botanical garden on the left on Esenberlin, Moldagulova and “It is of particular importance such construction will improve the be dedicated to a specific theme. a Japanese rock garden, will be bank as well as reconstruction Zheltoksan streets and Zhenis Av- for us to build parks and squares quality of city infrastructure,” said The square near 5 Birzhan Sal on Saryarka Avenue, and Math works in Arai Park will be complet- enue. C ASTANA AT 20

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018

Developing Astana as innovative International conference Astana supports international hub is natural step, experts addresses smart city initiatives cooperation, peace, security, believe C2 C3 experts attest C4 Conference praises 20 years of Astana’s Official discusses development, sets new goals capital’s 20th anniversary celebrations

By Dana Omirgazy

ASTANA – As Astana ap- proaches its 20th anniversary July 6, Astana Convention Bureau Di- rector Saniyar Aitekenov recently spoke to The Astana Times about events and celebrations related to the anniversary. “Over the whole year, residents and guests of Astana enjoy an ex- tensive festive programme of 618 Saniyar Aitekenov events, including both traditional and new concerts, shows, exhibi- tions and other cultural events. I this year for the 20th anniversary am sure they will become high- of Astana. lights of the upcoming celebration. “Astana is the venue for large- A few days ago, a grand open-air scale and popular events, includ- concert with the participation of ing of a high international level. By Meruyert Abugaliyeva (Akim) Asset Issekeshev in his city transformation was developed EXPO 2017, Astana Process peace Kazakh and Russian pop stars took These are sports, business, and opening remarks. in line with 17 United Nations talks on Syria. place at the square near Kazakh Eli cultural events. For example, this ASTANA – Kazakh and for- “Twenty years is not so much (UN) Sustainable Development The concept of a smart city and monument,” Aitekenov said. year, Astana held and will host a eign politicians and experts for a city, as well as for Astana. Goals (SDGs) and Organisation the role of the Kazakh capital as The Festival of Contemporary number of business events: the gathered June 5 for Astana: The Throughout the years, extensive for Economic Cooperation and hub for finance, trade and trans- Ethno Music, known as the Spirit InterFood Astana 2018 Kazakh- City of Peace international con- work was carried out; a city, where Development (OECD) standards. portations with particular focus of Tengri will be July 5-6 on the stan International Exhibition, the ference dedicated to the 20th a new generation grew up, has To become one of 50 top intellec- on Astana International Financial square at the Baiterek Monument, anniversary of the Kazakh capi- been built. Over the period, city tual modern global cities, Astana Centre (AIFC) were discussed 25th World Mining Congress, the he said. The Astana Arqau Inter- tal. The focus of the discussion population has increased threefold will secure its potential as busi- during the next two sessions. 15th CIS and Baltic States Bond was past achievements, the role exceeding 1 million and annual ness, cultural and scientific cen- Experts shared their vision national Festival of Turkic music Congress, the International Retail of the city in global diplomacy volume of investments into the tre of Eurasia, attracting students, of Astana’s development and is scheduled for July 4-6 in the Convention, the SAP Forum, etc. and opportunities for Astana as economy grew 44 times. Impres- researchers, entrepreneurs from proposed recommendations for amphitheatre on the embankment The business events will be attend- a growing centre in the heart of sive economic and geographical all over the region,” added Isseke- Astana to become a smart city of the Yessil River. A gala concert ed by delegations from Germany, Eurasia. growth makes Astana a model of shev. comfortable for living, to focus on the square near the Kazakh Eli Italy, the UK, the Commonwealth “Astana is the symbol of Ka- modern urbanisation, high living The conference included three on human capital, tourism and to Monument on July 5 is supposed of Independent States (CIS) coun- zakhstan and the flagship of its standards and centre of innova- panels with the first session dedi- become the centre of investment, to be the central event within the tries, the U.S., China, Malaysia, development. Its success is, first tions,” he said. cated to the role of Astana in in- financial services and logistics in celebration of the 20th anniversary Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, of all, an achievement of the First The next task set for Astana, ternational dialogue with specific the region. of Astana. In total, 61 events will India, Azerbaijan and Georgia,” President, Nursultan Nazarbayev,” according to the conference at- emphasis on major events, includ- The event ended with the adop- take place during the festive period Aitekenov told The Astana Times. said Kazakh Foreign Minister tendees, is to develop as a global ing the Organisation for Secu- tion of the conference participants’ June 25 to July 6. Detailed infor- To mark the 20th anniversary of Kairat Abdrakhmanov in his wel- city and become a key centre of rity and Cooperation in Europe address, congratulating the people mation about all festive events is Astana, athletes from around the coming speech. innovation, healthcare, architec- (OSCE) summit in 2010, mem- of Kazakhstan on Astana’s anni- available on the special website world will participate in the Iron- Dynamic development of Asta- ture, education, trade not only in bership in Organisation of Islamic versary and praising its achieve- www.astanaday.kz, which is regu- man 70.3 competition June 17. na and the vision of the future Kazakhstan, but for Eurasia. Cooperation (OIC) and Shanghai ments in diplomacy, peacemaking larly updated. This sport event will be held for were mentioned by Astana Mayor “The new programme for the Cooperation Organisation (SOC), and international development. By tradition, the capital receives the first time in Kazakhstan and gifts on its birthday every year. the post-Soviet space. Cities and regions of Kazakh- stan build new facilities, create Among the cultural parks and recreation areas or erect monuments in the main city of the events will be the Address of the Participants of “Astana: country. “Astana is a unique city, which premiere of the is not just a capital in the tradi- Turandot opera, tional sense. Astana is the city The City of Peace’’ Conference that unites the whole country and the joint work of We, the participants of the Inter- First Consultative Meeting of the cooperation, such as the Silk Road for Green Technologies and In- demonstrates the possibilities of the Astana Opera national Conference Astana: The Heads of State of Central Asia. It Economic Belt, are announced. vestment Projects, and the Inter- Kazakhstan to the world. The 20th City of Peace, congratulate Presi- also hosts large inter-parliamenta- The treaty establishing the Eura- national Technopark of IT Startups anniversary of Astana is a special Theatre and the dent Nursultan Nazarbayev and ry forums. sian Economic Union was also on the territory of the EXPO 2017 holiday for all Kazakhstan citi- Beijing National the people of Kazakhstan on the Astana serves as a negotiating signed here. Astana hosted the infrastructure, and we wish them zens,” Aitekenov added. 20th anniversary of the capital city platform to end violence in Syria, first Summit of the Organisation successful work for the benefit of Thus, ten new social facilities, Opera House, as of Astana. of Islamic Cooperation on Science Kazakhstan, the Central Asia re- as gifts from regions, will appear Over the last 20 years, Astana and Technology and adopted a for- gion and the world. in the capital. They are the Astana well as the Eurasian has become not only a political, Over the last 20 ward-looking document – Astana A presentation of the Interna- Peace Wall from the Aktobe re- Dance Festival with economic and cultural centre of Declaration on Science, Technolo- tional Atomic Energy Agency Low gion, a kindergarten for 240 stu- the independent Kazakhstan, but years, Astana has gy, Innovation and Modernization Enriched Uranium Bank facility dents from Almaty, a sports and the participation of also a major centre of diplomacy, become not only a in the Islamic World. took place last year in Astana and entertainment park based on the artists from theatres peace-making and international On June 28-30, 2011, Astana Ust-Kamenogorsk. We believe Arai Park from the Almaty re- development. political, economic hosted the 38th session of the that Kazakhstan, as the country gion and a bicycle and pedestrian of Russia, Portugal, It was here in 2010 at the historic and cultural centre Council of Foreign Ministers of most affected by nuclear tests, bridge across the Yessil River summit of the Organisation for Se- the Organisation of the Islamic and which voluntarily renounced from the Atyrau region. The East Germany, China, curity and Co-operation in Europe of the independent Conference. Thus, Kazakhstan the world’s fourth largest nuclear Kazakhstan region will present Spain and the that the heads of state and govern- took over the chairmanship of arsenal, makes a worthy contribu- a light and music fountain in the ment put forward a vision of “a Kazakhstan, but respected international organisa- tion to achieving a world free of botanical garden, the Kyzylorda Netherlands. free, democratic, common and in- also a major centre tion. The meeting became a his- nuclear weapons. region built a square with an open divisible Euro-Atlantic and Eura- toric milestone as it was decided The consistent policy of Presi- area and an exposition on the Among the cultural events will sian security community stretching of diplomacy, to rename the Organisation of dent Nursultan Nazarbayev to- space theme. be the premiere of the Turandot from Vancouver to Vladivostok, peace-making the Islamic Conference into the wards confidence building, se- A pedestrian boulevard and a opera, the joint work of the Astana rooted in agreed principles, shared Organisation of Islamic Coopera- curity and collaboration at the monument will appear in the capi- Opera Theatre and the Beijing Na- tion. In addition, a Special Com- commitments and common goals.” and international regional and global levels is the tal from the Karaganda region, a tional Opera House, as well as the mission on Human Rights was basis of these developments. This We call on all OSCE participat- square at the intersection of Zhenis Eurasian Dance Festival with the development. established and the OIC Plan of policy was elaborated in the “The ing states to work steadfastly to and Bogenbai Batyr Avenue is a participation of artists from thea- Action for Cooperation with Cen- World. The 21st century” Mani- achieve this goal. gift from the West Kazakhstan re- tres of Russia, Portugal, Germany, tral Asia was adopted for the first festo, which calls for humankind gion and the House of Friendship China, Spain and the Netherlands. The Congresses of Leaders of and we hope that international ef- time in the history of the organi- to get rid of the scourge of war To boost the attractiveness and World and Traditional Religions forts will lead to an early restora- sation. forever. will be renovated by the Mangis- held in Astana contribute greatly tion of peace on the Syrian soil. Furthermore, the Astana Eco- Peaceful dialogue and meaning- tau region. The a 56-km bike route recognition of Astana, the Astana to the promotion of inter-religious Astana’s peace-building efforts nomic Forum, the Eurasian Me- ful talks based on the principles from the city park to the Ilyinka Convention Bureau as implement- and international dialogue for the are reflected in the work of the dia Forum and the Astana Club of equal responsibility for peace suburb will built as a gift from ed a multi-level marketing cam- sake of peace, justice and security UN Security Council, where Ka- discuss the most important global and security, mutual respect and multiple regions. paign based to boost tourism. in the 21st century. The young cap- zakhstan is represented as a non- problems and put forward ideas to non-interference in internal af- By the end of the year, Kazakh- “Given that the internet is the ital of Kazakhstan has also hosted permanent member. address them. fairs should be a key pillar for the stan’s largest provider of air navi- key source of information, we summits important for regional se- The number of foreign diplomat- We congratulate the government resolution of all disputes between gation services KazAeroNavigat- are actively implementing digital curity and cooperation, including ic missions and representative of- and people of Kazakhstan on the states. sia and KazMunayGas-Service technologies, promoting Astana the Conference on Interaction and fices of international organizations success of the international spe- We are confident that Astana, will complete the construction of in social networks, using a mobile Confidence-Building Measures in is increasing in the capital every cialized exhibition EXPO 2017, as a modern, beautiful and dy- a sports centre in the Prigorodny application and modern methods Asia, the Shanghai Cooperation year, which indicates the transfor- which focused the attention of namic city in the heart of Eurasia, residential area and the Palace of of tourism marketing, such as in- Organisation, the Commonwealth mation of Astana into a leading po- the world community on future of will continue to play an important Combat Sports for 5,000 seats, viting well-known video bloggers of Independent States, the Collec- litical centre of the region. energy and sustainable develop- role in strengthening international Aitekenov said. and creating image-based videos. tive Security Treaty Organisation, The capital of Kazakhstan has ment. We welcome the creation of peace, security and prosperity. Last year, 5.4 million people We have already launched several the Cooperation Council of Tur- become a rostrum from where the Astana International Financial visited Astana during EXPO 2017 projects this year and they are op- kic Speaking States, as well as the large-scale initiatives of economic Centre, the International Centre Astana, June 5, 2018 and many tourists are expected erating well,” he added. C2 ASTANA AT 20

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018 Developing Astana as innovative hub is natural step, experts believe Photo credit: Leyla Kabdi Photo credit: Photo credit: Adilkhan Ilyassov Photo credit:

By Meruyert Abugaliyeva tional reforms in Kazakhstan, five former Soviet countries, but strengthen its economic presence known as 100 Concrete Steps to also the Caucasus and Mongolia. in the Central Asian region. Our ASTANA – The capital’s po- implement five institutional re- Another dimension is the Eura- aim is to promote the growth and tential to become an innovative forms. sian Economic Union and finally, development of a broad range of hub for finance, trade and trans- “Out of five, three reforms are the most promising dimension, financial services in Kazakhstan, portation was discussed by Ka- very much related to AIFC. For the Belt and Road Initiative,” particularly in Astana, by attract- zakh and foreign experts during example, the first is the rule of said Kelimbetov. ing global investment and provid- the June 5 Astana: The City of law and within AIFC we have “In the next 20 years, Astana ing services in accordance with Peace international conference, created the AIFC Court, Astana has to be in the camp of global world-class best practice. We, and with particular emphasis on the Financial Services Authority smart cities supporting develop- personally I, believe that Astana, Astana International Financial (AFSA) and International Arbi- ments towards a green economy. which is in the heart of Eurasia Centre (AIFC) and International tration Centre (IAC) to ensure I think in the next five-seven and on the Silk Road, has a huge Centre for Green Technologies transparency and predictability, years Astana will be in the top potential to become a financial, and Investment Projects. which is important for inves- 20 regional financial centres,” he trade and transportation hub in the “The idea of President Nur- tors,” he added. added. very near future,” she said. sultan Nazarbayev to establish AIFC formed its stock ex- The importance of AIFC and The International Centre for AIFC as a regional financial hub change in partnership with NAS- the city’s potential were also Green Technologies and Invest- was announced in 2015. Amend- DAQ and Shanghai Stock Ex- emphasised by AFSA Board of ment Projects will also play a ments to the constitution and change. The latter is particularly Directors Chairperson Lady Bar- major role in the capital’s devel- special constitutional law were important within the broader Belt bara Judge. opment. introduced, so that now Astana is and Road Initiative (BRI). “The establishment of a well “Our main function is to cre- the capital of Kazakhstan on the ate a green culture, address en- one side and a special legal and vironmental issues through the regulatory regime on the other The establishment of a well governed financial development of green technolo- side. English common law was centre is regarded as one of the key conditions gies in Kazakhstan and later rep- introduced in order to bring for- licate them in Central Asia. The eign direct investment to global to ensure the further economic growth of centre also aims to contribute and regional financial centres, to transforming the energy sec- like the leading [centres] in New Kazakhstan and strengthen its economic tor, supporting the transition to York City, London, Singapore presence in the Central Asian region. green business and finance and and Hong Kong, which are also applying green technology best based on common law,” said practices,” said centre head Rapil AIFC Governor Kairat Kelimbe- “When talking about a regional governed financial centre is re- Zhoshybayev. tov. financial hub, we mean three key garded as one of the key condi- The centre also studies the pro- AIFC was also established to dimensions. One of them is Cen- tions to ensure the further eco- gress of leading capitals and has execute structural and institu- tral Asia, which includes not only nomic growth of Kazakhstan and signed several agreements to at- tract technologies with a view to- wards developing the city. The capital’s strategic role in politics and diplomacy, as well as finance, was evaluated by Chatham House Russia and Eur- asia Programme associate fellow Kate Mallinson. “Astana has seen a golden few years, emerging as a neutral plat- form for various conflicts includ- ing Russia, Turkey and Syria and maintains positive relations with key players including China, Russia, the European Union and the U.S. Astana as an innovative hub is a natural step and plays a key role in transforming this neutral platform into financial, trade and transportation benefits for Kazakhstan as a whole,” she said. Mallinson believes economic and political power is shifting east in the 21st century and Ka- zakhstan stands to gain from the movement. China’s long-term foreign policy will incorporate the main principles of the BRI, with Kazakhstan being “the buckle” in this “belt,” she noted. “Kazakhstan needs to embrace Chinese investment but also chal- lenge the underlying assumption that large-scale investments in infrastructure, such as those at the heart of BRI, automatically promote economic development. The development of Astana as a financial, trade and innovation hub with initiatives such as the AIFC and the Astana Interna- tional Stock Exchange will assist Kazakhstan in negotiating with China not from the position of a raw material base country, but as an equal partner,” she said. C3 ASTANA AT 20

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018 International conference addresses smart city initiatives

By Dana Omirgazy

ASTANA – In the past 20 years, the city has become the largest sci- entific, cultural and business centre in Kazakhstan. To mark the 20th an- niversary of the nation’s capital, lo- cal officials and foreign guests gath- ered June 5 for Astana: The City of Peace international conference. One session focused on the ur- ban area’s smart city initiatives, as well as the experience and devel- opment trends of world cities. “The architecture of the city has already been formed. Now, the city faces the more important task of becoming self-sufficient, includ- ing as an economic growth point,” said Astana deputy akim (mayor) Malika Bekturova. She noted the city’s achieve- ments in its first two decades. “The gross regional product (GRP) of Astana has exceeded 5 trillion tenge (US$15.1 billion). This is a 25-fold increase com- pared to the figures in 1997. This The gross regional product (GRP) of Astana has exceeded 5 trillion tenge (US$15.1 billion). This is a 25-fold increase compared to the figures in 1997. This is significant the development of the country’s Warsaw is implementing the guished by one of the most modern Urban greenery is formed for the in- company in Kazakhstan that im- economy accounts for 12 percent smart city concept in urban opera- public transport systems used dai- habitants and their needs; therefore, plements ITS (Information Tech- growth. of the country’s gross domestic tions. Deputy mayor Witold Pahl ly by 75 percent of residents who everyone can plant a tree in the city. nology Services) projects to effec- product (GDP),” she added. presented its experience in trans- travel by bus, metro, tram, fast city This is facilitated by special applica- tively regulate traffic flow using is significant growth. The city has The capital is setting ambitious port and landscaping. train or bicycle. Public transport tion, where anyone can recommend modern technology and automated grown both territorially and quan- tasks to develop as a smart city. “A smart city is an intellectual offers intelligent, technically ad- an area for a new green space to the traffic management systems. titatively. The city population has The akimat (administration) is city characterised by modern eco- vanced solutions, including elec- city administration,” said Pahl. President Nursultan Nazarbayev grown more than three times, so studying the experience of compa- nomic and ecological solutions tronic information boarding, ticket The Kazakh capital’s adminis- noted the importance of incorpo- this has enabled us to see a large rable capitals. focused on the welfare of citizens. machines and charging points for tration is creating conditions to rating smart city innovations. influx of investment… The city at- “All these comparisons give us The example of Warsaw shows public vehicle electrical devices. accommodate its residents. Plans “The smart city concept will be- tracts more and more investments the idea that we will not be able to that this is not a matter of the fu- “Warsaw also appreciates its are underway to install approxi- come the locomotive of regional every year. Today, it is the most provide quality services unless we ture. Almost every resident of the natural heritage. Approximately mately 200 multifunctional warm development, the spread of inno- active city in terms of the growth become a smart city. A couple of pro- city uses this technology every 40 percent of the city’s territory is bus stops, 55 of which will be built vation and the improvement of the of small and medium-sized busi- jects that we are now implementing day,” he said. green area. It consists of almost 80 at city expense. quality of life throughout the coun- nesses. The city’s contribution to are aimed at this task,” she noted. The Polish capital is distin- parks, squares, lawns and forests. Astana LRT is the first and only try,” he said on an earlier occasion. Photo credit: Adilkhan Ilyassov Photo credit: C4 ASTANA AT 20

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018 Astana supports international cooperation, peace, security, experts attest of two states made six mutual vis- its, met nine times in bilateral and multilateral formats, thanks to which the trade turnover between our countries reached $2 billion,” he said. Norov suggested that the suc- cessful political and economic de- velopment of Kazakhstan and its capital city serve the interests of regional neighbours and all of Eur- asia. Senior fellow of the Wash- ington, DC-based Atlantic Council Ariel Cohen said that the unique demography and geography of this country testifies to the role Astana and Kazakhstan must play in Eura- sia and the world. Nestled between East and West, it is natural for in- ternational cooperation to build in Eurasia. “Kazakhstan serves as a hub in the Belt and Road initiative that is being increasingly criticised in my country, instead of examining how the US can play a role in the initia- tive, which, if brought to its logi- cal conclusion, would reformat the Eastern hemisphere and Eurasia as we know it,” he concluded. Other speakers included For- mer Vice President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Alain Neri, Executive Director of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia Gong Jianwei, former Secretary-General of the Shang- hai Cooperation Organisation Muratbek Imanaliev and ninth By Elya Altynsarina transit links belongs among the tremendously important progress all participating states and do not “It is important that the poli- Secretary-General of the Organi- constant strategic priorities of the on a global scale,” he said. belong to the internal affairs of the cies be re-focused on principles sation of Islamic Cooperation ASTANA – “Astana is a symbol capital.” To enhance OSCE instruments, states concerned only.” and guidelines that could help Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu. Chairman of modern, prosperous Kazakh- “Together we executed a huge the parties should try to mitigate The world has not become a participating states overcome the and CEO of Greenstar Global En- stan and the flagship of the whole task: we have built a city and a some tensions, Frattini advised, safer place since then, and “in distrust, tension and open con- ergy Corporation Ravi Batra pre- country, representing first of all a new generation of Kazakhs grew with the biggest being the growing comparison to the Cold War era flict.” Director of the Institute for sented a congratulatory address victory by the nation’s President, up there,” he concluded. Now, mutual mistrust between Russia a whole new dimension of threats Strategic and Interregional Studies from U.S. Representative Elliot Nursultan Nazarbayev,” Kazakh Astana faces the new ambitious and the West. and challenges has emerged in the under the President of Uzbekistan Engel on Astana’s anniversary, Foreign Minister Kairat Abdra- goals of completely adapting to the To build trust, and indeed to form of cyber-attacks and with re- Vladimir Norov commended the and President of the International khmanov said to open the June 5 high standards of world centres of solve many issues facing the glob- gard to the so-called transnational enhancement of Kazakh-Uzbek re- Tax and Investment Centre Daniel international conference. politics and diplomacy. al community, the world needs threats from terrorism to traffick- lations in light of a new attitude of Witt presented a congratulatory Marking the 20th anniversary The first panel discussed the united leaders from West and East, ing in drugs and human beings,” cooperation in Central Asia. address on behalf of Mayor of of the capital city, the conference, new Enhanced Partnership and from Russia and the US, who will continued German diplomat. “In the last two years, the heads Washington D.C. Muriel Bowser. titled Astana: City of Peace, not Cooperation Agreement between put aside domestic and electoral is- only focused on Astana’s transfor- the European Union and Kazakh- sues. He praised China’s Belt and mation into a major political, eco- stan. “Regional ownership is very Road initiative as a uniting force. nomic and cultural centre in the important to better design the EU’s “When trade and commerce go, heart of Eurasia, but also convened approach to the region,” said EU armies get back,” resumed Frattini discussions on ways to make it a Special Representative for Central encouraging everyone to use the smart, connected city and an in- Asia Peter Burian. powerful instruments of dialogue, novative hub for finance, trade and The EU is carefully reviewing economic cooperation and trade to transportation. suggestions to be more involved prevent the escalation of conflicts. Welcoming event speakers and in economic cooperation and bring Deputy head of the Centre for participants, among them cur- more investment, including new OSCE Research Frank Evers noted rent and former foreign ministers, sources of energy, he said. He be- that in the OSCE and other organi- parliamentarians, senior officials lieves these will be “fully incorpo- sations, Kazakhstan has played the of international organisations and rated in our new strategy.” role of explainer of Asian affairs scholars from across the globe Burian also welcomed the new to Europeans, and of European af- who have personally contributed atmosphere of cooperation in fairs to Asians – part of the con- to Astana’s emergence as a cen- Central Asia and praised the col- ceptual thinking of a country that tre of international politics, Akim laborative approach Kazakhstan sees itself joining the 30 most de- (Mayor) of Astana Asset Isseke- has brought to the United Nations veloped countries in coming dec- shev briefed them on the city’s Security Council, particularly ades. According to Evers, three achievements. on Afghanistan. It showed great key catchwords associated with “In the short span of 20 years, leadership, he said, to promote Kazakhstan’s 2010 OSCE chair- the population of Astana has more “effective multilateralism as the manship, as well as its role in the than tripled to reach 1 million best way to deal with conflicts,” world are responsibility, openness people, gross regional product in- and helped show how Kazakhstan and setting Central Asian security creased 190-fold to 5 trillion tenge and the EU are building stronger accents on the European Security ($15.6 billion), and annual invest- bonds. agenda. ment volume to the city’s economy “I was here in 2010 as the For- Head of the German delega- increased 44 times, reaching 885 eign Minister of Italy and was very tion to the OSCE in 2010 Heiner billion tenge ($2.5 billion),” he impressed with the substantial Horsten said that the Astana Com- said. goals Astana has set in the Decla- memorative Declaration “stands as “Rapid economic and geograph- ration,” began his speech Special a beacon to this day promoting the ic growth makes the city a model Representative of the Organisation vision of a Euro-Asian-Atlantic of modern urbanisation, high qual- for Security and Cooperation in Security Community from Van- ity of life and a centre for innova- Europe (OSCE) for the Transnis- couver to Vladivostok rooted in tions,” he said. trian Settlement Process Franco agreed principals, shared commit- He also mentioned the 2013 Frattini as he commended Astana’s ments and common goals.” Astana speech by Chinese Presi- contribution as chair of the body in He stressed that for the first time dent Xi Jinping in which Xi an- 2010. on the highest level, the document nounced the New Silk Road Eco- “There are some points that are acknowledged that “all commit- nomic Belt programme, calling it still alive, and some need to be up- ments undertaken in the field of “very symbolic,” because “further dated; but Astana Declaration no the human dimension are matters development of transcontinental doubt paved the way for making of direct and legitimate concern to